Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
11:44
Stimulation of Cytoplasmic DNA Sensing Pathways In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: September 18, 2014
9.2K
The epigenetically-encoded memory of the innate immune system
1Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
Current Opinion in Immunology
|March 30, 2020
Summary
Innate immune cells undergo lasting epigenetic changes after stimulation, influencing their future responses. These modifications, including histone changes and DNA methylation, contribute to immune memory.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Epigenetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Innate immune cells respond to stimuli like infection through epigenetic modifications.
- These changes involve histone modifications and DNA methylation alterations.
- Some epigenetic changes are transient, while others persist long-term.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of various epigenetic modifications in the innate immune response.
- To understand the dynamics of these changes during the return to homeostasis.
- To investigate how epigenetic modifications contribute to immune memory.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of histone modifications.
- Assessment of DNA methylation patterns.
- Tracking epigenetic dynamics in immune cells post-stimulation.
Main Results:
- Specific epigenetic modifications are induced upon immune cell activation.
- The duration and reversibility of these epigenetic changes vary.
- Persistent epigenetic alterations impact the functional memory of immune cells.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic modifications are crucial for both the immediate transcriptional response and long-term immune memory.
- Understanding these epigenetic dynamics provides insights into innate immunity.
- Long-lasting epigenetic changes in immune cells are key to remembering prior stimuli.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23Immunological Memory
14.7K
Immunological memory, a pivotal pillar of the adaptive immune system, is responsible for the body's ability to remember and respond more swiftly and effectively to previously encountered pathogens. This remarkable feature is what makes vaccines so effective in preventing diseases.
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature...
What is Immunological Memory?
Immunological memory is an integral function of the immune system that allows it to recognize and react more rapidly and effectively to pathogens previously encountered. This feature...
14.7K
01:21Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity
8.2K
The human immune system is a complex defense mechanism that protects the body from harmful pathogens and foreign substances. It comprises two crucial components: innate and adaptive immunity.
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
8.2K
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
8.2K
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
8.2K
01:38What is the Immune System?
125.8K
Overview
125.8K
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
83.1K
Overview
83.1K
01:28Cells of the Innate Immune Response
8.4K
The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
8.4K