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Review
. 2023 Sep 28;97(9):e0065823.
doi: 10.1128/jvi.00658-23. Epub 2023 Sep 1.

Virus hijacking of host epigenetic machinery to impair immune response

Affiliations
Review

Virus hijacking of host epigenetic machinery to impair immune response

Maëlle Locatelli et al. J Virol. .

Abstract

Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA hypermethylation, histone acetylation/methylation, or nucleosome positioning, result in differential gene expression. These modifications can have an impact on various pathways, including host antiviral immune responses. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of epigenetic modifications induced by viruses to counteract host antiviral immune responses, which are crucial for establishing and maintaining infection of viruses. Finally, we provide insights into the potential use of epigenetic modulators in combating viral infections and virus-induced diseases.

Keywords: DNA methylation; epigenetic; histones PTMs; host-virus interaction; immune evasion; virus.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
Modulations of DNA methylation and DNMTs by virus to subvert immune responses. DNA hypermethylation by DNMTs leads to gene repression, whereas DNA hypomethylation leads to gene activation. Upward arrow: increased expression. Downward arrow: decreased expression. Modifications are indicated as follows: virus name-viral protein involved.
Fig 2
Fig 2
Histones modifications induced by a virus to subvert immune responses. Histones are assembled in octamers to form nucleosomes. Histones can be modified by post-translational modifications that can have either active or repressive effects in gene expression. Ac: acetylation. Me: methylation. Me3: trimethylation. Upward arrow: increased expression. Downward arrow: decreased expression. Modifications are indicated as follows: virus name-viral protein involved.

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