Gene–environment interactions in asthma: Lessons for the development of new drugs for asthma

In genetic association studies of asthma, relevant environmental exposures need to be taken into account, and when assessing the effect of environment, we need to factor in genetic predisposition. If we extrapolate this to identification of the new therapeutic targets for asthma, the data suggest only a proportion of the population will benefit from a specific drug, while the same drug among individuals with different genetic predisposition may cause harm. Thus, it is essential to abandon the concept “one size fits all” in favor of individualized treatments, applicable to individuals with specific susceptibilities.