Hygiene, Allergy and Asthma

joint with The Regulation of Mucosal Inflammation

Organizer(s): Marsha Wills-Karp, Robert L. Coffman and Fernando D. Martinez

Supported by Keystone Symposia

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Summary of Meeting:

The underlying causes of asthma and other allergic diseases remain poorly understood, even as the incidence of such diseases continues to increase. The 'Hygiene hypothesis', postulates that microbial exposure plays a key role in the development of allergic responses and that the rising incidence of such diseases in the developed world reflects population-wide changes in microbial exposure. Initially based upon epidemiological studies, the 'Hygiene hypothesis' is now at the convergence of many diverse areas within immunology and microbiology. The goal of this meeting is to draw together investigators from multiple disciplines doing work relevant to understanding the environmental factors and mechanisms that affect the development of asthma and allergy. A range of key topics will include recent major advances in:- understanding how recognition of pathogens by the innate immune system determines the development of allergic ( Th2) or inflammatory (Th1) responses.- understanding the relationship of susceptibility genes for asthma, allergy and anti-microbial responses. - development of allergic responses during infancy and childhood.- mechanisms of differentiation of Th2 cells and regulatory T cells.- the application of microbial products in the treatment or prevention of allergy and asthma.

Discounted Abstract Deadline: December 3 2002

Discounted Registration Deadline: February 3 2003

We gratefully acknowledge the generous grant for this conference provided by:

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Grant No. 1 R13 AI053897-01

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