Farm living: effects on childhood asthma and allergy

Nat Rev Immunol. 2010 Dec;10(12):861-8. doi: 10.1038/nri2871. Epub 2010 Nov 9.

Abstract

Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that children who grow up on traditional farms are protected from asthma, hay fever and allergic sensitization. Early-life contact with livestock and their fodder, and consumption of unprocessed cow's milk have been identified as the most effective protective exposures. Studies of the immunobiology of farm living point to activation and modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses by intense microbial exposures and possibly xenogeneic signals delivered before or soon after birth.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Asthma / epidemiology*
  • Asthma / immunology
  • Cattle
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Environmental Exposure / statistics & numerical data
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Life Style*
  • Livestock / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Milk / immunology
  • Milk / statistics & numerical data
  • Pregnancy
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / epidemiology*
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / immunology
  • Rural Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult