Comparative analysis of the DNA methylation landscape in CD4, CD8, and B memory lineages

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is considerable evidence that epigenetic mechanisms and DNA methylation are critical drivers of immune cell lineage differentiation and activation. However, there has been limited coordinated investigation of common epigenetic pathways among cell lineages. Further, it remains unclear if long-lived memory cell subtypes differentiate distinctly by cell lineages. RESULTS: We used the Illumina EPIC array to investigate the consistency of DNA methylation in B cell, CD4 T, and CD8 T naïve and memory cells states. In the process of naïve to memory activation across the three lineages, we identify considerable shared epigenetic regulation at the DNA level for immune memory generation. Further, in central to effector memory differentiation, our analyses revealed specific CpG dinucleotides and genes in CD4 T and CD8 T cells with DNA methylation changes. Finally, we identified unique DNA methylation patterns in terminally differentiated effector memory (TEMRA) CD8 T cells compared to other CD8 T memory cell subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that epigenetic alterations are widespread and essential in generating human lymphocyte memory. Unique profiles are involved in methylation changes that accompany memory genesis in the three subtypes of lymphocytes.

Source: Clinical Epigenetics

DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01399-0

Authors: Ze Zhang, Rondi Butler, Devin C. Koestler, Shelby Bell-Glenn, Gayathri Warrier, Annette M. Molinaro, Brock C. Christensen, John K. Wiencke, Karl T. Kelsey, Lucas A. Salas

Institutions: Dartmouth College, Brown University, The University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco

Language: English

Topic: Epigenetics and DNA Methylation

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190

Funders: U.S. Department of Defense, American Association for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs

OpenAlex ID: W4311731171