Epigenetic codes programming class switch recombination Journal Article


Authors: Vaidyanathan, B.; Chaudhuri, J.
Article Title: Epigenetic codes programming class switch recombination
Abstract: Class switch recombination imparts B cells with a fitness-associated adaptive advantage during a humoral immune response by using a precision-tailored DNA excision and ligation process to swap the default constant region gene of the antibody with a new one that has unique effector functions. This secondary diversification of the antibody repertoire is a hallmark of the adaptability of B cells when confronted with environmental and pathogenic challenges. Given that the nucleotide sequence of genes during class switching remains unchanged (genetic constraints), it is logical and necessary therefore, to integrate the adaptability of B cells to an epigenetic state, which is dynamic and can be heritably modulated before, after or even during an antibody-dependent immune response. Epigenetic regulation encompasses heritable changes that affect function (phenotype) without altering the sequence information embedded in a gene, and include histone, DNA and RNA modifications. Here, we review current literature on how B cells use an epigenetic code language as a means to ensure antibody plasticity in light of pathogenic insults. © 2015 Vaidyanathan and Chaudhuri.
Keywords: review; dna repair; gene expression; genetic transcription; enzyme activity; dna methylation; rna; gene mapping; class switch recombination; dna; genetic recombination; immune response; antigen specificity; epigenetics; histone; nucleotide sequence; antibody response; excision repair; immunity; recombination; genetic regulation; histone modification; phenotypic plasticity; mixed lineage leukemia protein; aid; dna deamination; human; small untranslated rna; non-coding rnas
Journal Title: Frontiers in Immunology
Volume: 6
ISSN: 1664-3224
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.  
Date Published: 2015-07-31
Start Page: 405
Language: English
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00405
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC4566074
PUBMED: 26441954
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 2 September 2015 -- Source: Scopus
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