Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology
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Clin Rev Allergy Immunol · Jun 2016
ReviewCritical Link Between Epigenetics and Transcription Factors in the Induction of Autoimmunity: a Comprehensive Review.
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system loses tolerance to self-antigens, inducing inflammation and tissue damage. The pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases has not been elucidated. A growing mountain of evidence suggests the involvement of genetic and epigenetic factors in the development of these disorders. ⋯ In addition, the promoters of TFs have been found themselves to be modified by epigenetic regulators and TFs can also induce epigenetic changes. There is a two-way street in which interplay between epigenetic regulation and TFs plays a role in the pathogenesis of SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, systemic sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. Understanding of pathogenesis of these autoimmune diseases will help define potential targets for therapeutic strategies.