Although lupus is, by definition, associated with genetic and immunological factors, its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The up-to-date research findings point out that various genetic and epigenetic factors, especially gene-specific and site-specific methylation, are believed to contribute to the initiation and development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This review presents and summarizes the association between abnormal DNA methylation of immune-related cells and lupus-like diseases, as well as the possible mechanisms of immune disorder caused by DNA methylation, aiming at a better understanding of the roles of aberrant DNA methylation in the initiation and development of certain forms of lupus and providing a new insight into promising therapeutic regimens in lupus-like diseases.
Keywords: DNA methylation; immune-related cells; lupus-like diseases; systemic lupus erythematosus.
© 2016 British Society for Immunology.