Food sensitization in Japanese infants is associated with a common Filaggrin variant

摘要

The discovery of the association between loss-of-function mutations in filaggrin (FLG) and atopic eczema1 proved that atopic eczema is not only an immunological disease but also a skin barrier disease. Eight FLG null mutations were found to have accumulated in 27% of atopic eczema patients and in 4% of the control population in Japan.2 Relationships of FLG null mutations with other allergic diseases such as bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis also have been reported.3 However, the role of common variants of FLG in atopic eczema4 and other allergic diseases is poorly understood. Filaggrin dysfunction has been implied to facilitate food sensitization. In a loss-of-function FLG mutation mouse model, topical application of an allergen led to allergen sensitization.