Date of Award
4-8-2011
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
In this thesis I will propose a novel framework for understanding allergy. I will argue that exposure to certain early-life environments lead to life-long allergic disease through epigenetic mechanisms. Although my argument currently exists as an unsubstantiated hypothesis, I will review indirect evidence that I have gathered throughout the immunologic and epigenetic literature to support my claim. | will then propose a set of experiments which will test my hypothesis. This thesis will address current scientific “hot topics” and their implications will challenge fundamental tenants of biology. Rather than jumping straight into the argument I will begin with some background for why this idea is so provocative.
Recommended Citation
Sweeney, Jacob '11, "Epignetics and Allergic Disease" (2011). Honor Scholar Theses. 253, Scholarly and Creative Work from DePauw University.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/studentresearch/253