Premium
Epigenetic regulation of B cell fate and function during an immune response
Author(s) -
Zhang Yan,
GoodJacobson Kim L.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
immunological reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.839
H-Index - 223
eISSN - 1600-065X
pISSN - 0105-2896
DOI - 10.1111/imr.12733
Subject(s) - epigenetics , biology , epigenome , germinal center , immune system , dna methylation , histone , b cell , methyltransferase , dna methyltransferase , cell fate determination , histone methyltransferase , function (biology) , genetics , cellular differentiation , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , methylation , antibody , gene expression , transcription factor
Summary The humoral immune response requires coordination of molecular programs to mediate differentiation into unique B cell subsets that help clear the infection and form immune memory. Epigenetic modifications are crucial for ensuring that the appropriate genes are transcribed or repressed during B cell differentiation. Recent studies have illuminated the changes in DNA methylation and histone post‐translational modifications that accompany the formation of germinal center and antibody‐secreting cells during an immune response. In particular, the B cell subset‐specific expression and function of DNA methyltransferases and histone‐modifying complexes that mediate epigenome changes have begun to be unravelled. This review will discuss the recent advances in this field, as well as highlight critical questions about the relationship between epigenetic regulation and B cell fate and function that are yet to be answered.