Epigenetic regulation of immune function in asthma

Asthma is a common complex respiratory disease characterized by chronic airway inflammation and partially reversible airflow obstruction resulting from genetic and environmental determinants. Because epigenetic marks influence gene expression and can be modified by both environmental exposures and genetic variation, they are increasingly recognized as relevant to the pathogenesis of asthma and may be a key link between environmental exposures and asthma susceptibility. Unlike changes to DNA sequence, epigenetic signatures are dynamic and reversible, creating an opportunity for not only therapeutic targets but may serve as biomarkers to follow disease course and identify molecular subtypes in heterogeneous diseases such as asthma. In this review, we will examine the relationship between asthma and 3 key epigenetic processes that modify gene expression: DNA methylation, modification of histone tails, and noncoding RNAs. In addition to presenting a comprehensive assessment of the existing epigenetic studies focusing on immune regulation in asthma, we will discuss future directions for epigenetic investigation in allergic airway disease. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2022;150:259-65.)

Automated summary

This review examines the relationship between asthma and three key epigenetic processes: DNA methylation, modification of histone tails, and noncoding RNAs. Epigenetic marks play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma and can serve as therapeutic targets and biomarkers. There are future directions for studying immune regulation in asthma and investigating epigenetics in allergic airway disease.