Complex Di​seases and the Environment: The Farming Case Study

Complex Di​seases and the Environment: The Farming Case Study

Donata Vercelli, MD

Regents Professor

Professor of Cellular and Molecular Medicine

Director, Arizona Center for the Biology of Complex Diseases

The University of Arizona

This Friday we will begin our exploration of the intricate relationship between human health and the environment by looking at a celebrated, compelling case: the ability of traditional farm environments to protect children from asthma and allergies. The story I will share with you (most of it coming from our own work) is powerful, colorful and multi-layered and encompasses epidemiology, genetics, immunology, microbiome, biochemistry and - last but not least - animal models designed to move beyond associations and prove causality of effects. 

Most importantly, though, our story will demonstrate that virtually complete protection from diseases that are both common and potentially severe is achievable in real life in human populations... no wonder this story ended up on the front page of The New York Times and in The Washington Post...