DNA (Hydroxy)Methylation in T Helper Lymphocytes

Abstract

Upon recognition of an antigen, the differentiation of antigen-inexperienced naïve T lymphocytes into subsets able to effectively coordinate host defense is controlled by a network of transcription factors and regulatory molecules. In the cell nucleus, these factors act in the context of epigenetic modifications that influence DNA accessibility and ultimately gene expression. This review discusses recent findings about the role of DNA methylation (and its oxidized derivatives) in modulating the differentiation and functions of T helper lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system.