Exploring the Causality and Pathogenesis of Immune Cells in Allergic Diseases: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study

Abstract

Increasing evidence suggests a substantial correlation between immune cells and allergic diseases; however, the causal relationship remains to be elucidated. Objective: To explore the Causality and Pathogenesis of Immune Cells in Allergic Diseases through bidirectional Mendelian randomization. Methods: Leveraging comprehensive publicly accessible summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), this study employed the bidirectional MR research method to investigate causal relationships among 731 immune cell phenotypes (seven groups) and three allergic diseases (ADs). Various sensitivity analysis methods were systematically employed to ensure the robustness of the results. Results: After FDR adjustment, we indicate that 16 types of immune cells show potential causal relationships with allergic conjunctivitis (AC), 5 types of immune cells show potential causal relationships with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), 12 types of immune cells show potential causal relationships with ACD caused by drug contact with the skin. Conclusion: Our study elucidates the close genetic associations between immune cells and nine allergic diseases, thereby providing valuable insights for future research endeavors and clinical applications.