Influence of Epigenetics on Autoimmunity

Autoimmune diseases are highly complex diseases with a known genetic component. But, genetics isn’t the only factor that influences the development of autoimmune diseases. Another important player: epigenetic modifications.

Epigenetic modifications describe a layer of changes that can happen to DNA without altering the DNA sequence itself. These changes can have profound effects on immunity when they alter the expression of immune-related genes.

A recent publication in Autoimmunity Reviews titled “Exposome: Epigenetics and autoimmune diseases” highlights the various types of epigenetic modifications and how they impact diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies, ANCA-associated vasculitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. These modifications are now being studied as therapeutic targets.

Citation:

Danieli, M., et al. (2024). Exposome: Epigenetics and autoimmune diseases. Autoimmunity Reviews, 103584. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103584