Stard7 facilitates uptake of PC by mitochondria, promoting mitochondrial homeostasis and the energy required for maintenance of epithelial barrier integrity. Stard7 may also suppress inflammatory responses, leading to decreased DC activation and Th2 inflammation. Haploinsufficiency for Stard7 could lead to decreased ATP production, oxidative stress (generation of reactive oxygen species, ROS) and pro-inflammatory responses that promote epithelial barrier permeability and DC maturation, as discussed in the text.