No remarkable differences in rates of sensitization to common type I and IV allergens between FLG loss-of-function mutation carriers and wild-type subjects

• Published in: Contact dermatitis Vol. 70; no. 1; pp. 27 - 34
• Main Authors: Landeck, Lilla, Visser, Maaike, Skudlik, Christoph, Brans, Richard, Kezic, Sanja, John, Swen Malte
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.2014; Blackwell; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; allergens; Allergens - genetics; Allergens - immunology; Allergic diseases; Biological and medical sciences; Cohort Studies; contact dermatitis; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - diagnosis; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - genetics; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact - immunology; Dermatitis, Occupational - diagnosis; Dermatitis, Occupational - genetics; Dermatitis, Occupational - immunology; Female; filaggrin gene; Genetic Markers; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genotyping Techniques; Hand; Heterozygote; Humans; Immunopathology; Intermediate Filament Proteins - deficiency; Intermediate Filament Proteins - genetics; Logistic Models; loss-of-function mutations; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Mutation; patch test; prick test; Skin allergic diseases. Stinging insect allergies; Skin Tests; Young Adult; Human; Immunopathology; Allergy; Skin disease; Prick test; Patch test; allergens; filaggrin gene; Contact dermatitis; Gene; loss-of-function mutations; Sensitization; Mutation; Allergen; contact dermatitis; patch test; prick test
• ISSN: 0105-1873; 1600-0536; 1600-0536
• DOI: 10.1111/cod.12109

Summary Background Loss‐of‐function mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) have been associated with reduced skin barrier function, possibly allowing increased penetration of irritants and allergens. Objectives To study whether FLG loss‐of‐function mutation carriers show different rates of sensitization to common type I and IV allergens among patients referred for occupational contact dermatitis of the hands. Materials and Methods Four hundred and ninety‐six Caucasian patients were genotyped for four FLG null mutations and patch tested with the European baseline series. In addition, 431 patients underwent prick testing with common type I allergens. Results Overall, 67 patients showed a heterozygous mutation in the FLG alleles R501X, R2447X, S3247X, and/or 2282del4. Sensitization rates for type I allergens from a European prick test series did not show significant differences between FLG loss‐of‐function mutation carriers and wild‐type subjects. For type IV allergens, significantly more FLG loss‐of‐function carriers were found to be sensitized to lanolin and p‐tert‐butylphenol‐formaldehyde resin. Conclusions Probably a variety of immunological mechanisms other than that resulting from the filaggrin system have an impact on allergic sensitization to a greater degree. Larger cohorts may be necessary to increase the statistical power of the findings presented regarding type I and IV sensitization.