title: Deciphering the epigenetic code of T lymphocytes.
abstract: The multiple lineages and differentiation states that constitute the T-cell compartment all derive from a common thymic precursor. These distinct transcriptional states are maintained both in time and after multiple rounds of cell division by the concerted actions of a small set of lineage-defining transcription factors that act in conjunction with a suite of chromatin-modifying enzymes to activate, repress, and fine-tune gene expression. These chromatin modifications collectively provide an epigenetic code that allows the stable and heritable maintenance of the T-cell phenotype. Recently, it has become apparent that the epigenetic code represents a therapeutic target for a variety of immune cell disorders, including lymphoma and acute and chronic inflammatory diseases. Here, we review the recent advances in epigenetic regulation of gene expression, particularly as it relates to the T-cell differentiation and function.
authors.affiliation: The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Vic., Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.
authors.forename: Rhys S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Allan
authors.forename: Stephen L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Nutt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001691:Biological Therapy / Q000639:trends; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D019070:Cell Lineage; D042002:Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly / Q000276:immunology; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000276:immunology; D042421:Histone Code / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
keywords: T cell; epigenetic; gene expression; histone modification