Allergy: Mechanistic insights into new methods of prevention and therapy

In the past few decades, the prevalence of allergic diseases has increased worldwide. Here, we review the etiology and pathophysiology of allergic diseases, including the role of the epithelial barrier, the immune system, climate change, and pollutants. Our current understanding of the roles of early life and infancy; diverse diet; skin, respiratory, and gut barriers; and microbiome in building immune tolerance to common environmental allergens has led to changes in prevention guidelines. Recent developments on the mechanisms involved in allergic diseases have been translated to effective treatments, particularly in the past 5 years, with additional treatments now in advanced clinical trials.

Automated summary

The prevalence of allergic diseases has been increasing worldwide in the past few decades. This review focuses on the etiology and pathophysiology of allergic diseases, exploring the roles of epithelial barriers, the immune system, climate change, and pollutants. With advancements in understanding the impact of early life, diverse diet, barriers in the skin, respiratory and gut, and the microbiome on immune tolerance to common allergens, prevention guidelines have been modified. Recent developments in the mechanisms of allergic diseases have led to effective treatments, particularly in the last 5 years, and additional treatments are currently undergoing advanced clinical trials.