What are we learning from genetic cohort studies?

Although genetic component of asthma has been well recognised, genetics alone cannot explain the rise in asthma prevalence. This increase is likely a consequence of environmental factors increasing the risk in genetically susceptible individuals. As wheezing illness usually begins within months of birth, prospective birth cohorts with detailed measures of environmental exposures and objective measures of disease are essential to study gene-environment interactions in the development of different wheeze phenotypes. Such studies will enable identification of children at increased risk of disease because of a genetic predisposition when exposed to a particular environmental factor. Tailor-made evidence-based strategies for prevention of asthma and atopic sensitization applicable to individuals at risk (rather than the whole population) will then be developed to reduce the risk of asthma and allergy development. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.