“In the case of autoimmunity, there is an overreaction to a self-antigen, while in the case of an allergy, there is an inappropriate response to an environmental antigen, such as pollen or cat dander,” he points out. Mrs. Eleni Komninou Rheumatologist, Director of the Clinic for Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases Metropolitan General and continues:

“One similarity in the developmental pathways between allergies and autoimmune diseases is the involvement of immune cells in the immune response.

With allergies, the immune system reacts to harmless substances or allergens, which leads to the activation of immune cells. Similarly, in autoimmune diseases, immune cells may recognize their own tissues as foreign and mount an immune response, resulting in tissue damage and inflammation.

Environmental factors such as allergens, drugs, and toxins can cause or worsen allergic reactions, while infections, stress, and exposure to certain environmental toxins have been implicated in triggering or worsening autoimmune diseases.

Genetic factors they also play a role in the development of both allergies and autoimmune diseases. “Certain genes are associated with an increased risk of developing allergies or autoimmune diseases, and genetic factors can affect immune cell function, the production of cytokines (inflammatory substances from cells) and other immune responses.”

Differences and similarities

“While allergies and autoimmune diseases share some similarities, including the involvement of immune cells and genetic factors, they differ in some ways. A key area of ​​interest between autoimmune diseases and allergies is the type of immune cells involved.

There is an overlap between the cell types involved in autoimmunity and allergy, and both involve pathogenic CD4 T-cells (self-reactive in the former, allergen-reactive in the latter) as well as B cells. Additional cell types are unique to each disease, such as (eg, mast cells in allergy).

Immune cells can drive inflammation and tissue damage in target organs.

Some studies have shown that people with allergies may have an increased risk of developing autoimmune disease and vice versa. This suggests that there may be some genetic or environmental factors that contribute to the development of both conditions,” emphasizes Ms. Komnenou. A study published in the journal International Review of Rheumatic Diseases found that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease, had a higher prevalence of allergic rhinitis compared to healthy controls. Another study published in Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis, also an autoimmune disease, had a higher prevalence of atopic dermatitis, a type of skin allergy.

The incidence of allergies in the general population is quite high (about 20% of Americans), while the incidence of autoimmune diseases is between 5-7%. Thus, the likelihood that some people with allergies will also develop an autoimmune disease is relatively high.

Can allergies cause autoimmunity and/or autoimmune disease flare-ups?

“While there are reports of responses to some allergens also causing autoimmune disease, such an effect of allergic responses is not generally seen.

Overall, the relationship between allergies and autoimmunity is complex and often varies by individual, specific allergen or autoimmune disease, and other factors.

Not all people with allergies will develop autoimmune diseases, and not all autoimmune diseases are caused or worsened by allergies.
“Understanding the association between allergies and autoimmune diseases could have important implications for the diagnosis, treatment and treatment of disorders caused by the immune system,” explains the expert.

in conclusion

“The coexistence and cooperation of specialist doctors (Rheumatologists – Allergists) is important in order to diagnose and treat patients, when possible, in order to perfect a treatment plan,” concludes Mrs. Komninou.