DNA methylation of TH1/TH2 cytokine genes affects sensitization and progress of experimental asthma.

Background: Epigenetic changes in DNA methylation have recently been demonstrated to be involved in effector T-cell polarization, resulting in differential secretion of T(H)1 and T(H)2 cytokines. However, the contribution to the development of a chronic inflammatory phenotype remains still unclear.

Objective: We sought to investigate changes in DNA methylation in marker genes of T-cell subsets during allergen sensitization/challenge and their influence on the development of an allergic airway inflammatory response.