DNA methylation alterations in the pathogenesis of lupus

Summary Although lupus is, by definition, associated with genetic and immunological factors, its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The up‐to‐date research findings point out that various genetic and epigenetic factors, especially gene‐specific and site‐specific methylation, are believed to contribute to the initiation and development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This review presents and summarizes the association between abnormal DNA methylation of immune‐related cells and lupus‐like diseases, as well as the possible mechanisms of immune disorder caused by DNA methylation, aiming at a better understanding of the roles of aberrant DNA methylation in the initiation and development of certain forms of lupus and providing a new insight into promising therapeutic regimens in lupus‐like diseases.