Atopyrelated immune profiles are subject to genetic influence as evaluated using school-aged twin pairs

Both genetic and environmental risk factors have been described for atopic
disease. However, the interaction of these with individual immune profiles
remains unclear. Using flow cytometry, immune profiles of 93 school-aged
twin pairs as well as in vitro responses were determined to evaluate
immunological responses associated with atopy. Findings suggest a genetic
impact on immune cell abundance, particularly for B cells. Whereas
cytokine responses from in vitro stimulations appeared mainly shaped by
environmental exposures. Relating to atopic traits, we observed increased
abundance of both B cells and basophils in atopic individuals as well as
increased expression of the IgE receptor across several subsets, including
basophils and dendritic cells. Genetic background appeared central to
regulating IgE receptor expression on basophils whereas expression on
dendritic cells instead appeared sensitive to environmental exposures.
Identifying environmentally regulated immune traits may facilitate the
development of targeted therapies to limit the impact of atopic disease in
the future.