Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026
13:21
Comprehensive DNA Methylation Analysis Using a Methyl-CpG-binding Domain Capture-based Method in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients
Published on: June 16, 2017
9.3K
Methylation differences at the HLA-DRB1 locus in CD4+ T-Cells are associated with multiple sclerosis
M C Graves1, M Benton2, R A Lea3
1Centre for Information-Based Medicine, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Australia.
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England)
|December 17, 2013
Summary
Epigenetic changes in DNA methylation are linked to multiple sclerosis (MS) risk. This study found specific methylation patterns in T cells, particularly near the HLA-DRB1 gene, associated with MS.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease involving T-cell dysfunction.
- Environmental and genetic factors influence MS susceptibility.
- Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, are emerging as key contributors to MS risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate genome-wide DNA methylation changes in CD4+ T cells from MS patients.
- To identify specific epigenetic markers associated with multiple sclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis using Illumina 450K arrays.
- Analysis of CD4+ T cells from 30 relapsing-remitting MS patients and 28 healthy controls.
- Identification of differentially methylated CpGs (CpG sites).
Main Results:
- A significant differential methylation signal was detected at chromosome 6p21, specifically at the HLA-DRB1 locus.
- A major effect CpG island in DRB1 was identified in MS cases.
- 55 non-HLA CpGs with differential methylation were found, many near genes previously implicated in MS.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first evidence linking DNA methylation at HLA-DRB1 to multiple sclerosis risk.
- Further research is needed to validate these findings and elucidate their role in MS pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
3.2K
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
3.2K
01:19Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
20
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
20
01:22T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
13.7K
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
13.7K