Epigenetic Regulation of Immune Cells in Health and Disease: A Comprehensive Review

Mugisha Emmanuel K.

Faculty of Science and Technology Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in controlling gene expression in immune cells, influencing their development, differentiation, and function in both health and disease. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, act as dynamic regulators that allow immune cells to respond to environmental cues, ensuring precise immune responses. In innate immune cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, these modifications dictate functional plasticity and antigen-presenting capabilities. In adaptive immune cells, including T cells and B cells, epigenetic changes control lineage commitment, cytokine production, and antibody generation. Dysregulation of these processes can lead to immune-related diseases, such as autoimmune disorders, cancer, and chronic inflammatory conditions. In autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, aberrant epigenetic modifications contribute to the loss of immune tolerance and chronic inflammation. In cancer, altered epigenetic states in both immune cells and tumor cells promote immune evasion and tumor progression. The understanding of these mechanisms has opened new therapeutic avenues, with epigenetic therapies being explored for reprogramming immune responses. This review highlights the role of epigenetic regulation in immune cell function, discusses its dysregulation in disease, and explores its therapeutic potential for improving immune-related outcomes.

Keywords: Epigenetics, Immune cells, DNA methylation, Histone modifications, Autoimmune diseases, Cancer

CITE AS: Mugisha Emmanuel K. (2024). Epigenetic Regulation of Immune Cells in Health and Disease: A Comprehensive Review. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES 4(1):1-6. https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJBAS/2024/411600