Gene polymorphism in Netherton and common atopic disease

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma are characterized by IgE-mediated atopic (allergic) responses to common proteins (allergens), many of which are proteinases. Loci influencing atopy have been localized to a number of chromosomal regions', including the chromosome 5q31 cytokine cluster(2-4). Netherton disease is a rare recessive skin disorder in which atopy is a universal accompaniment(5). The gene underlying Netherton disease (SPINK5)(6) encodes a 15-domain serine proteinase inhibitor (LEKTI) which is expressed in epithelial and mucosal surfaces and in the thymus(6,7). We have identified six coding polymorphisms in SPINK5 (Table 1) and found that a Glu420 --> Lys variant shows significant association with atopy and AD in two independent panels of families. Our results implicate a previously unrecognized pathway for the development of common allergic illnesses.