Genetic and epigenetic studies of FOXP3 in asthma and allergy.

ABSTRACT: Multiple factors interact to trigger allergic diseases, including individual genetic background and factors related to the environment such as exposure to allergens, air pollution and respiratory infections. The FOXP3 transcription factor is constitutively expressed in CD4⁺CD25⁺FOXP3⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and is critical for the maintenance of immune homeostasis. For example, FOXP3 is responsible for the suppression of the Th2 response following exposure to allergens. Studies have shown that expression of the FOXP3 gene is reduced in patients with asthma and allergies compared to healthy controls. Therefore, the impairment of FOXP3 function caused by genetic polymorphisms and/or epigenetic mechanisms may be involved in the etiology of asthma an

SUBMITTER: Marques CR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5142332 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature