Document Detail


Epigenetic control in immune function.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21627041     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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.
Authors:
Peter J van den Elsen; Marja C J A van Eggermond; Rutger J Wierda
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Advances in experimental medicine and biology     Volume:  711     ISSN:  0065-2598     ISO Abbreviation:  Adv. Exp. Med. Biol.     Publication Date:  2011  
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-06-01     Completed Date:  2011-06-09     Revised Date:  2011-06-21    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0121103     Medline TA:  Adv Exp Med Biol     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  36-49     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands. pjvdelsen@lumc.nl
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Antigen Presentation
Cell Differentiation
Epigenesis, Genetic*
Gene Expression Regulation
Humans
Immunity*
Major Histocompatibility Complex
Nuclear Proteins / genetics,  physiology*
T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / cytology
Trans-Activators / genetics,  physiology*
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/MHC class II transactivator protein; 0/Nuclear Proteins; 0/Trans-Activators

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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