Epigenetic biomarkers
Beyond cells, proteins and transcripts, epigenetic biomarkers may suggest prognosis.251,252 DNA methylation of promoter regions is associated with gene silencing, and FOXP3 gene expression is in part controlled through this. FoxP3 is the master regulator of Treg cells, and Syed et al found that peanut OIT resulted in hypomethylation of FOXP3 , indicating increased gene expression with immunotherapy.253
In conclusion, technological advances inform novel methods for monitoring immune responses with increased sensitivity and specificity. Studies indicate dysregulation of a number of molecular markers with AIT. Detection method optimization continues and should facilitate precision immunotherapy.