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.