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.