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Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology

Published in:

01-08-2010

The Role of Epigenetics in Aging and Autoimmunity

Authors: Annabelle Grolleau-Julius, Donna Ray, Raymond L. Yung

Published in: Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology | Issue 1/2010

Abstract

The decline in immunocompetence with age is accompanied by the increase in the incidence of autoimmune diseases. Aging of the immune system, or immunosenescence, is characterized by a decline of both T and B cell function, and paradoxically the presence of low-grade chronic inflammation. There is growing evidence that epigenetics, the study of inherited changes in gene expression that are not encoded by the DNA sequence itself, changes with aging. Interestingly, emerging evidence suggests a key role for epigenetics in human pathologies, including inflammatory and neoplastic disorders. Here, we will review the potential mechanisms that contribute to the increase in autoimmune responses in aging. In particular, we will discuss how epigenetic alterations, especially DNA methylation and histone acetylation, are accumulated during aging and how these events contribute to autoimmunity risk.

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Title: The Role of Epigenetics in Aging and Autoimmunity
Authors: Annabelle Grolleau-Julius
Donna Ray
Raymond L. Yung
Publication date: 01-08-2010
Publisher: Humana Press Inc
Published in: Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology / Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 1080-0549
Electronic ISSN: 1559-0267
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-009-8169-3

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