Allergies Come Clean: The Role of Detergents in Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction

The objective of this review is to examine the role of detergents as a potential risk factor for developing allergic disease.Recent FindingsHerein, we identify key sources of human detergent exposure. We summarize the evidence suggesting a possible role for detergents and related chemicals in initiating epithelial barrier dysfunction and allergic inflammation. We primarily focus on experimental models of atopic dermatitis, asthma, and eosinophilic esophagitis, which show compelling associations between allergic disease and detergent exposure. Mechanistic studies suggest that detergents disrupt epithelial barrier integrity through their effects on tight junction or adhesion molecules and promote inflammation through epithelial alarmin release.SummaryEnvironmental exposures that disrupt or damage the epithelium may account for the increasing rates of allergic disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Detergents and related chemical compounds represent possible modifiable risk factors for the development or exacerbation of atopy.
Source: Current Allergy and Asthma Reports - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research