Recent developments in diisocyanate asthma

Despite recent advances in our understanding of diisocyanate-induced asthma, this disease remains a perplexing phenomenon. Studies reported in the past year have focused on: (i) diisocyanate antigens; (ii) the role of airway and skin epithelium; (iii) human immune responses to exposure; (iv) neurogenic pathways; and (v) genetic factors that may confer susceptibility. These studies support the hypothesis that diisocyanate asthma results from the host immune response to these chemicals, and may represent a mixed T helper type 1/2 response. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of diisocyanate asthma should facilitate the development of better diagnostic tests and strategies for disease surveillance and intervention.