title: Hypomethylation and overexpression of CD70 (TNFSF7) in CD4+ T cells of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration and the production of autoantibodies, leading to the destruction of lacrimal and salivary glands. However, very little is known about the pathogenesis of the disorder. CD70 (TNFSF7), a B cell costimulatory molecule, is overexpressed in CD4(+) T cells from patients with systemic erythematosus lupus (SLE) due to the hypomethylation of its promoter.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this study we asked whether the epigenetic regulation of CD70 expression is abnormal in pSS.
  
  
  METHODS
  CD70 levels in CD4(+) T cells from pSS patients, tinea pedis and healthy controls were measured by real-time RT-PCR and flow cytometry. Bisulphite sequencing was performed to determine the methylation status of the TNFSF7 promoter region.
  
  
  RESULTS
  CD70 expression was significantly elevated and correlated with a decrease in TNFSF7 promoter methylation in pSS CD4(+) T cells compared to controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Demethylation of the CD70 promoter regulatory elements contributes to CD70 overexpression in pSS CD4(+) T cells, and may contribute to autoreactivity.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Epigenetic Research Center, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China.
authors: Heng
authors: H
authors: Yin
authors: Ming
authors: M
authors: Zhao
authors: Xiaoyan
authors: X
authors: Wu
authors: Fei
authors: F
authors: Gao
authors: Yongqi
authors: Y
authors: Luo
authors: Le
authors: L
authors: Ma
authors: Sufang
authors: S
authors: Liu
authors: Guangsen
authors: G
authors: Zhang
authors: Jinwei
authors: J
authors: Chen
authors: Fen
authors: F
authors: Li
authors: Xiaoxia
authors: X
authors: Zuo
authors: Qianjin
authors: Q
authors: Lu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D053282:CD27 Ligand / Q000235:genetics*; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D014008:Tinea Pedis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D053282:CD27 Ligand; C505771:CD70 protein, human