摘要
Autoimmunity is believed to develop when genetically predisposed individuals undergo epigenetic modifcations in response to environmental factors. Recent advances in the understanding of epigenetic mechanisms suggest, in autoimmune diseases, a multi-step process involving environmental factors （e.g. , drugs, stress） and endogenous factors （e.g. , cytokines, gender）, both leading to the deregulation of the epigenetic machinery （DNA methylation, histone modifications, miRNA）, that in turn specifically affects the immune system and/or the target organ（s）. Such effect is reinforced in those patients with risk variants mapping to epigenetically-controlled regulators of immune cells. As a consequence, autoreactive lymphocytes and autoantibodies are produced leading to the development of the autoimmune disease. Potential new therapeutic strategies and biomarkers are also addressed.
Autoimmunity is believed to develop when genetically predisposed individuals undergo epigenetic modifications in response to environmental factors.Recent advances in the understanding of epigenetic mechanisms suggest,in autoimmune diseases,a multi-step process involving environmental factors(e.g.,drugs,stress) and endogenous factors(e.g.,cytokines,gender),both leading to the deregulation of the epigenetic machinery(DNA methylation,histone modifications,mi RNA),that in turn specifically affects the immune system and/or the target organ(s).Such effect is reinforced in those patients with risk variants mapping to epigenetically-controlled regulators of immune cells.As a consequence,autoreactive lymphocytes and autoantibodies are produced leading to the development of the autoimmune disease.Potential new therapeutic strategies and biomarkers are also addressed.
基金
Supported by The"Région Bretagne",the"Association Franaise Gougerot-Sjgren et des Syndromes Secs"
the"Institut Franais pour la Recherche Odontologique"
the Innovative Medicines Initiative Joint Undertaking under grant agreement n°115565,resources of which are composed of financial contribution from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme(FP7/2007-2013)
EFPIA companies’ in-kind contribution
