Abstract

SANTOS, Natacha  and  CERNADAS, Josefina Rodrigues. Immunogenetics of allergic reactions to drugs. Rev Port Imunoalergologia [online]. 2013, vol.21, n.4, pp.247-258. ISSN 0871-9721.

The genetic basis of drug allergy can be related to activation or inactivation pathways that affect the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics, in the immune system recognition and response, or in the lesion and tissue repair mechanisms. The aim of this article is to present an up-to-date review of drug allergy immunogenetics according to the probable physiopathological mechanism involved, with particular emphasis on the relation between several HLA polymorphisms and type IV allergy. Besides a better understanding of the immunological mechanisms, this is a field with immediate clinical applicability, as in the primary prevention of abacavir-mediated hypersensitivity reactions through HLA -B*5701 screening, and of other drugs as carbamazepine in the Asian population. In a field where, more and more, investigation is performed with the need for international cooperation, the role of the Allergy and Clinical Immunology specialist is essential for the correct diagnosis of patients with drug allergy and registry in national and international databases.

Keywords : Drug allergy; drug hypersensitivity; immunogenetics; pharmacogenetics.

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