Epigenetic modulations of immune cells: from normal development to tumor progression

The dysfunction of immune cell development often impairs immunological homeostasis, thus causing various human diseases. Accumulating evidence shows that the development of different immune cells from hematopoietic stem cells are highly fine-tuned by different epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling and RNA-related regulations. Understanding how epigenetic regulators modulate normal development of immune cells contributes to the identification of new strategies for various diseases. Here, we review recent advances suggesting that epigenetic modulations can orchestrate immune cell development and functions through their impact on critical gene expression. We also discuss the aberrations of epigenetic modulations in immune cells that influence tumor progression, and the fact that underlying mechanisms affect how epigenetic drugs interfere with tumor progression in the clinic.

Automated summary

The dysfunction of immune cell development, often caused by aberrations in epigenetic regulators, is closely related to immunological homeostasis and various human diseases. Understanding the role of epigenetic modulations in immune cell development can lead to the identification of new strategies for disease treatment. This article reviews recent advances in this field, highlighting the impact of epigenetic regulators on gene expression and their implications in tumor progression.