Epigenomic control of immunity: from mechanisms to therapeutic targets in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Abstract

This review presents an overview of the emerging roles of epigenomic regulation in immune cell function, with a particular focus on its relevance in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs, are essential in directing immune cell development, activation, and lineage commitment. Advances in genomics and epigenomics have highlighted the dynamic nature of gene regulation as the cornerstone of immune homeostasis and adaptability. We summarize recent insights into enhancer dynamics, three-dimensional chromatin architecture, transcription factor signaling, and microRNA (miRNA)-mediated regulation that reshape our understanding of immune-mediated diseases. These findings not only deepen our knowledge of disease pathogenesis but also offer promising targets for therapeutic intervention. In this context, miRNAs have emerged as key post-transcriptional regulators with significant diagnostic and therapeutic potential for IBD. The field of immune epigenomics is advancing rapidly, offering powerful tools for dissecting complex immune responses and guiding the development of precise therapies for chronic inflammatory conditions.