Biological Basis Of Allergies Getting More Clear

A biochemical naturally produced by the human body called "Transforming Growth Factor-Beta" has been fingered by scientists as playing a major role in how allergies develop in people.  Genetic mutations in genes associated with the production of this biochemical are associated with high vulnerability to allergies and kindred diseases such as asthma, food allergies and eczema.  

Since this biochemical is part of the immune system, this discovery fits the emerging model of allergies as principally consisting of auto-immune conditions (i.e. conditions in which the immune system gets out of whack and starts attacking things in the body other than harmful germs).

Of course, it also suggests that drugs that could manipulate levels of this biochemical in body could provide a therapy for people who suffer from allergies and kindred diseases.