20. Evolving Allergies and Immune Response
Modern shifts in environment and hygiene are reshaping the way our immune systems evolve. As exposure to infectious agents decreases, the prevalence of allergies and autoimmune disorders is rising in many populations.
This phenomenon, often called the “hygiene hypothesis,” suggests that our immune systems may be adapting—or even overreacting—to cleaner environments. These ongoing changes highlight the complex interplay between genes, lifestyle, and surroundings, and how our immune responses continue to evolve in response to new societal norms. Scientific American