Epigenetic control in immune function

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2011:711:36-49. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4419-8216-2_4.

Abstract

This chapter describes recent advances in our understanding how epigenetic events control immune functions with emphasis on transcriptional regulation of major histocompatibility complex ClassI (MIC-I) and Class II (MHC-II) genes. MHC-I and MHC-II molecules play an essential role in the adaptive immune response by virtue of their ability to present peptides, respectively to CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Central to the onset of an adequate immune response to pathogens is the presentation of pathogen-derived peptides in the context of MHC-II molecules by antigen presenting cells (APCs) to CD4+ T cells of the immune system. In particular dendritic cells are highly specialized APCs that are capable to activate naïve T cells. Given their central role in adaptive immunity, MHC-I and MHC-II genes are regulated in a tight fashion at the transcriptional level to meet with local requirements of an effective antigen-specific immune response. In these regulatory processes the MHC2TA encoded Class II transactivator (CIITA) plays a crucial role. CIITA is essential for transcriptional activation of all MHC-I genes, whereas it plays an ancillary function in the transcriptional control of MHC-I genes. The focus of this chapter therefore will be on the transcription factors that interact with conserved cis-acting promoter elements and epigenetic mechanisms that modulate cell type-specific regulation of MHC-I, MHC-I, and MHC2TA genes. Furthermore, we will also briefly discuss how genetic and epigenetic mechanisms contribute to T helper cell differentiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Immunity*
  • Major Histocompatibility Complex
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Nuclear Proteins / physiology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / cytology
  • Trans-Activators / genetics
  • Trans-Activators / physiology*

Substances

  • MHC class II transactivator protein
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Trans-Activators