Abstract

Epigenetic regulation plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of autoimmune diseases, influencing gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. This review explores the mechanisms by which epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA, contribute to autoimmune pathogenesis. These epigenetic changes can be influenced by environmental factors such as infections, toxins, and diet, which trigger immune responses and lead to autoimmune disorders. Furthermore, the article discusses the potential of epigenetic therapies in autoimmune disease treatment, highlighting their capacity to precisely modulate immune responses. The evolving field of epigenetics offers promising strategies for personalized medicine, wherein treatments can be tailored to an individual's epigenetic profile, enhancing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing adverse effects. The review also addresses the challenges and future directions in this rapidly advancing area, with a focus on developing more effective epigenetic-based interventions in autoimmune diseases.