Burton Oliver T, Zaccone Paola
Department of Pathology, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QP, UK.
Trends Immunol. 2007 Oct;28(10):419-22. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2007.08.005. Epub 2007 Sep 7.
Allergy, a potentially life-threatening condition, has at its heart an overly zealous T-helper type 2 response to environmental antigens. We are constantly flooded by potential allergens, both airborne and ingested. Although innocuous to some, common antigens can cause serious allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Chitin, a polymerized sugar and fundamental component of arthropods and fungi, is not commonly deemed a potential allergen but can cause sensitization through frequent exposure. A recent intriguing study has highlighted the role of chitin in allergic reactions.
