Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases are a group of disorders in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, tissues, and organs. This results from an overactive immune response against substances and tissues normally present in the body. Let's delve into the concept and mechanism of autoimmune diseases from an immune system point of view, explore different causes and examples of such diseases, and discuss potential solutions.
Concept and Mechanism of Autoimmune Diseases
The immune system...

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Exposure to coal-fired power plant emissions, unconventional natural gas development, and salivary miRNA profiles and asthma in children.

Environmental research·2026

Same author

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology With Environmental Exposures.

Allergy·2026

Same author

Blood mitochondrial heteroplasmic variants and cognitive performance in late midlife: REGARDS study.

BMC neurology·2026

Same author

Life-course Psychosocial Adversity and Biological Aging in the Hispanic Community Health Study / Study of Latinos: A Life-course Model Analysis.

Research square·2026

Same author

Corrigendum to "Social factors as buffers for the adverse impact of adverse childhood experiences on biological age acceleration among adults in Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos" [Brain Behav. Immun. 132 (2026) 106241].

Brain, behavior, and immunity·2026

Same author

Mental health across the lifecourse as predictors of epigenetic aging from a longitudinal birth cohort in the United States.

Journal of affective disorders·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Generation of Two-color Antigen Microarrays for the Simultaneous Detection of IgG and IgM Autoantibodies

Generation of Two-color Antigen Microarrays for the Simultaneous Detection of IgG and IgM Autoantibodies

Published on: September 15, 2016

The epigenetics of autoimmunity.

Francesca Meda¹, Marco Folci, Andrea Baccarelli

¹Department of Medicine and Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.

Cellular & Molecular Immunology

|February 1, 2011

Summary

Epigenetic mechanisms, like DNA methylation, are crucial in regulating gene expression and may explain the development of autoimmune diseases. Future epigenetic therapies, similar to those in cancer treatment, show promise for managing these conditions.

More Related Videos

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Published on: March 17, 2023

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Generation of Two-color Antigen Microarrays for the Simultaneous Detection of IgG and IgM Autoantibodies

Generation of Two-color Antigen Microarrays for the Simultaneous Detection of IgG and IgM Autoantibodies

Published on: September 15, 2016

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Published on: March 17, 2023

Area of Science:

Immunology
Genetics
Epigenetics

Background:

The exact causes of autoimmune diseases are not fully understood.
Genetic factors alone do not explain disease development, as evidenced by low identical twin concordance rates.
Epigenetic mechanisms are increasingly recognized as critical regulators of gene expression in autoimmunity.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the role of epigenetic modifications in the initiation and perpetuation of autoimmune diseases.
To discuss current knowledge and future directions in the field of epigenetics and autoimmunity.
To highlight the potential of epigenetic therapies for autoimmune conditions.

Main Methods:

Review of existing clinical and experimental studies.
Analysis of data on epigenetic changes in specific autoimmune diseases.
Discussion of post-translational histone modifications and DNA methylation.

Main Results:

Epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, are implicated in the breakdown of immune tolerance.
Evidence supports the impact of epigenetics in diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
Mechanistic observations link epigenetic changes to disease pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

The epigenome is a key factor in understanding the development and progression of autoimmune diseases.
Epigenetic modifications offer potential therapeutic targets.
Epigenetic treatments, successful in oncology, may soon benefit patients with autoimmune diseases.