What we know about the genetics of asthma at the beginning of the 21st century

The understanding of the genetic controls that lead to the development of asthma is essential to its proper diagnosis and management. As we enter the 21 st century, the goals of genetic research in asthma and allergies will be to: 1) identify genetic factors, 2) define environmental cofactors, 3) characterize how genes and the environment work together to cause disease, 4) develop treatment and prevention measures, including drugs designed for the individual's genetic make-up.