EoE genetic risk is more complex than just one gene While researchers have long believed that eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) has a genetic component, previous genetic studies have identified only a limited number of genetic regions associated with EoE risk. However, a new study has found that combining EoE genetic data with genetic data from other atopic diseases helped identify additional signals associated with EoE. EoE risk is polygenic When a condition is described as polygenic, it means genetic susceptibility is influenced by many genetic signals, rather than a single one. Each signal may only have a small affect, but together, they can contribute to your inherited risk of developing a particular condition. This latest study found that including genetic data associated with atopic diseases improved polygenic risk predication compared to using just EoE-related data, which supports the view that EoE susceptibility is polygenic, and shares genetic risk factors with other atopic diseases. The authors also identified 90 candidate genes that may contribute to EoE susceptibility. However, more research is needed to work out which of these genes are directly involved and how they may contribute to EoE biology. Why do we need to understand the genetics involved? Understanding the genetics of EoE matters because it can help researchers build a clearer picture of the biological mechanisms involved in the disease, helping us to better understand it. For example, this study supports the idea that EoE shares genetic risk factors with other atopic diseases. This may help explain why EoE often occurs alongside conditions such as asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis. The study also highlighted candidate genes and pathways beyond those traditionally associated with type 2 inflammation. This suggests that while type 2 inflammation remains an important feature of EoE, other biological processes may also contribute to disease susceptibility and development. Exploring this possibility in research could help us better understand EoE in the future. Does this study mean that we can now genetically screen for EoE? No. While the study improves our understanding of EoE genetics, we still need more research before these findings can be translated into clinical practice. Instead, medical professionals who suspect EoE should continue to follow the current diagnostic guidelines. Conclusion This new study suggests that EoE susceptibility may be influenced by many genetic factors rather than a single gene: By combining EoE genetic data with data from other atopic diseases, the authors identified additional genetic associations and improved polygenic risk prediction. The authors identified 90 candidate genes that may help guide future research into EoE biology. Some of these genes suggest that biological pathways beyond type 2 inflammation may contribute to EoE susceptibility. Whilst these findings improve our understanding of EoE genetics, they don't currently change how it’s diagnosed, treated, or managed. Read the full study References: Trimarchi MP, Namjou-Khales B, Ben-Baruch Morgenstern N, et al. Multitrait analysis of genome-wide association studies expands eosinophilic esophagitis genetic susceptibility and polygenic risk scores. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2026 Mar 20:S0091-6749(26)00194-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2026.03.008. Related news https://www.eosnetwork.org/News/genetic-eoe-study-molly-shook https://www.eosnetwork.org/News/maternal-antibiotics-and-eosinophilic-oesophagitis-risk https://www.eosnetwork.org/News/amniotic-fluid-and-risk-of-eoe Manage Cookie Preferences