Molecular Pathogenesis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Purpose Of Review: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an esophageal disease characterized by an accumulation of eosinophils in the esophagus, which is normally devoid of eosinophils. The interest of the scientific community in EoE has grown considerably over the past two decades, and understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in this disease has increased greatly in the last 2 years.

Recent Findings: Important new insights into the pathogenesis of EoE recently have been achieved. Recent evaluations considering genetic and the environmental risk factors have led to the concept that some still-unknown environmental factors influence the risk of developing EoE more than the genetic predisposition. New molecules (in addition to interleukin-13, eotaxin-3, transforming growth factor-β1, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, filaggrin, or interleukin-5) also have been shown to be involved in the disease pathogenesis.

Summary: The present review describes recent advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying EoE, and how these new findings have enhanced understanding of the pathogenesis of this new esophageal disorder.