Gene polymorphism in Netherton and common atopic disease

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma are characterized by IgE-mediated atopic (allergic) responses to common proteins (allergens), many of which are proteinases. Loci influencing atopy have been localized to a number of chromosomal regions, including the chromosome 5q31 cytokine cluster 2-4 , Netherton disease is a rare recessive skin disorder in which atopy is a universal accompaniment 5 . The gene underlying Netherton disease (SPINK5) 6 encodes a 15-domain serine proteinase inhibitor (LEKTI) which is expressed in epithelial and mucosal surfaces and in the thymus 6,7 . We have identified six coding polymorphisms in SPINK5 (Table 1) and found that a Glu420→Lys variant shows significant association with atopy and AD in two independent panels of families. Our results implicate a previously unrecognized pathway for the development of common allergic illnesses.