An Analysis of Potential Associations Between Delivery Mode and Dog-Keeping to Basophil FcER1 and Activation Marker Expression During Infancy

Early-life exposures, including dog-keeping and vaginal delivery, are associated with lower rates of childhood allergy. The underlying immune mechanism(s) are unknown. Basophils are innate immune cells capable of promoting Th2 polarization and allergy development. We explored associations of these exposures with basophil FcεR1 and activation marker expression during the first 6 months of life.