# Widespread genomic de novo DNA methylation occurs following CD8+ T cell activation and proliferation

## TL;DR

This study reveals that CD8+ T cell activation leads to widespread DNA methylation changes, offering new insights into immune regulation and potential therapeutic applications.

## Contribution

The study identifies de novo DNA methylation patterns in CD8+ T cells during early activation, highlighting specific genes and pathways involved.

## Key findings

- 15,626 significant differentially methylated CpGs were identified, with notable changes in ADAM10, ICA1, and LAPTM5.
- Approximately 120 CpGs showed large methylation changes, primarily affecting cell activation and proliferation pathways.
- Exposure to glycine chloramine did not induce substantial differential methylation during T cell activation.

## Abstract

This research investigates the intricate dynamics of DNA methylation in the hours following CD8+ T cell activation, during a critical yet understudied temporal window. DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification central to regulation of gene expression and directing immune responses. Our investigation spanned 96-h post-activation and unveils a nuanced tapestry of global and site-specific methylation changes. We identified 15,626 significant differentially methylated CpGs spread across the genome, with the most significant changes occurring within the genes ADAM10, ICA1, and LAPTM5. While many changes had modest effect sizes, approximately 120 CpGs exhibited a log2FC above 1.5, with cell activation and proliferation pathways the most affected. Relatively few of the differentially methylated CpGs occurred along adjacent gene regions. The exceptions were seven differentially methylated gene regions, with the Human T cell Receptor Alpha Joining Genes demonstrating consistent methylation change over a 3kb window. We also investigated whether an inflammatory environment could alter DNA methylation during activation, with proliferating cells exposed to the oxidant glycine chloramine. No substantial differential methylation was observed in this context. The temporal perspective of early activation adds depth to the evolving field of epigenetic immunology, offering insights with implications for therapeutic innovation and expanding our understanding of epigenetic modulation in immune function.