Does the epithelial barrier hypothesis explain the increase in allergy, autoimmunity and other chronic conditions?
This 2021 review by Cezmi A. Akdis introduces the “epithelial barrier hypothesis,” proposing that increased exposure to epithelial barrier-damaging agents—such as pollutants, detergents, and processed foods—due to industrialization and urbanization contributes to the rise in allergic, autoimmune, and other chronic diseases. The hypothesis suggests that damage to epithelial barriers (skin,
June 26, 2025
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