Abstract
Epigenetics is the study of mechanisms that change gene functions such as transcription and replication without altering gene sequences. DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of histones are some of the major epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic modifications play a role in the differentiation of immune cells ; therefore, they are assumed to be associated with development of allergic diseases. Moreover, several reports have showed the use of DNA methylation as a biomarker. For instance, the number of regulatory T cells could be estimated by studying stored genomic DNA. Further elucidation of epigenetic involvements in allergic diseases will provide insight into our current understanding of the pathophysiology of these diseases.
