Allergic multimorbidity from birth to young adulthood: determinants, epigenetic regulation  and inflammatory processes
The prevalence of allergic diseases, such as atopic eczema, asthma and rhinitis, has increased over the past decades and is currently estimated to be up to 40%. Prevention strategies play a pivotal role, as there are no curative treatments available. Therefore, the aim of ALLERGENE is to understand the complex interplay of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors and to identify involved mechanisms that distinguish between young adults free of allergic diseases and those suffering from allergic multimorbidity.  Therefore, the aims of the present project are to:  1. Define allergic disease trajectories from birth to young adulthood, describe their determinants and identify risk and protective early-life environmental and lifestyle factors contributing to progression towards allergic multimorbidity or remission of allergic diseases. 2. Investigate molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation of allergic disease trajectories and test effect modification by inclusion of selected environmental and lifestyle factors. 3. Characterise the underlying inflammation profile of allergic disease trajectories and determine interactions with environmental and lifestyle factors  The project makes use of two long-standing, prospective German birth cohort studies, GINIplus and LISA, with available data from birth to young adulthood, and an extensive examination planned at age 25. Within this project, a comprehensive characterisation of allergic disease trajectories, their determinants, comorbidities, risk and protective factors across the life-course will be obtained. ALLERGENE will enhance the understanding of how modifiable factors contribute to allergic disease aetiology. This will be an essential prerequisite to develop effective early intervention strategies for susceptible populations and to identify disease-specific biomarkers for the development and progression of allergic diseases in the future.