Abstract
Genetic factors, in conjunction with enviromental factors, are involved in the pathogenesis of allergic disorders. Extensive studies show that genetic factors may associate with the polymorphisms of the molecules responsible for IgE production and/or allergic reaction. Of such molecules, IL-4 Rα, a common component of the functional receptors for IL-4 and IL-13, is thought to be one of the atopy-causing genes, because the 150V substitution correlates with atopic asthma from both genetic and functional aspects. As allergic disorders are controlled by many genetic factors, further attempts shoud be made to identify other genes coordinating closely with the IL-4 Rα gene. Functional analysis of atopy-causing genes will contribute to the development of novel therapeutic procedures for allergic disorders.
