ABSTRACT
For centuries manifestations of allergic diseases such as asthma, anaphylaxis and food allergy were described eloquently but its mechanism remained a mystery. The discovery of IgE antibody, its relationship to mast cells and kinetics mediator release elucidated clinical phenotypes of allergic responses. The discovery of IgE and assays for specific IgE coupled to clinical observations and skin test reactivity to specific allergens led to the concept that atopy is the genetic predisposition to produce specific IgE following exposure to allergens and that specific IgE contributes to allergic inflammation. The next breakthrough came with the identification of a special subset of T cells capable of secreting cytokines that selectively interact with mast cells, basophils and eosinophils. The Epithelial Cells control many aspects of allergic sensitization and plays a pivotal role in allergic inflammation, remodeling and bronchial hyperactivity. The complex genetic trait of asthma is due to a gene by environment interaction.
