Studying the Genetic Pathogenesis of Atopy and Asthma: Future Directions for Research

Atopy as a group of diseases is increasing in its prevalence worldwide, which is drawing much interest into its pathogenesis. However, it is frustrating that its pathogenesis is not simple or clear, like many other complex diseases like diabetes mellitus or ischemic heart disease. One thing that is simple and clear is that both genetic or inherited traits and environmental exposures play important roles in the phenotypes that we see. What factors of each type, how many are needed and how they interact are the complex questions that will be answered by reviewing the literature in this article.