Traditional farming represents one of the strongest ‘asthma/allergy-protective’ environments.

Environments with high biodiversity, and pets at home (dogs) also show strong protection.

A strong association between allergy protection and environmental and/or host microbiota is apparent.

Reduced biodiversity adversely affects commensal microbiota and subsequent immunoregulation.

Mechanisms of allergy-protection via microbiota involve innate and adaptive immunity.