[Advances in research on relationship between DNA hypomethylation and systemic lupus erythematosus]

T-cell DNA hypomethylation can increase expression of genes that have potential relation to autoimmunity. CD70 overexpression may be associated with B-cell activation and immunoglobulin secretion, while perforin plays an important role in T-cell-mediated macrophage apoptosis. DNA hypomethylation can activate human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) sequences. Expression of HERV components may elicit autoantibodies production. Polyamines change structure of chromosome and interfere with DNA methylation process, which is involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.