# Epigenetic Modulation of IL‐7 and IL‐10: Toward Personalized Immune Therapies in Viral Epidemics

## TL;DR

This study explores how epigenetic changes in immune-related genes may influence the severity of viral infections like COVID-19.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific epigenetic patterns in IL-7 and IL-10 genes associated with severe disease outcomes in ICU patients.

## Key findings

- IL-7 was significantly hypermethylated in ICU patients, potentially impairing T-cell immunity.
- IL-10 showed significant hypomethylation, possibly indicating increased immunosuppression.
- ICU patients had higher mortality compared to ward patients.

## Abstract

Host immune responses, including cytokine production, shape the severity of viral epidemics. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation regulate cytokine gene expression and may contribute to immune dysregulation in severe disease.

This study analyzed interleukin‐7 (IL‐7), IL‐8, and IL‐10 promoter methylation in 145 COVID‐19 patients (91 wards, 54 intensive care units (ICUs)), excluding 12 patients receiving epigenetically active drugs. Peripheral blood DNA underwent bisulfite conversion, followed by PCR and gel electrophoresis. Gene‐specific methylation levels were quantified using beta values.

IL‐7 was significantly hypermethylated overall (β = 0.835, p < 0.001), especially in ICU patients (β = 0.863, p = 0.001), independent of age, mortality, and malignancy. An interaction between age and ICU status indicated group‐specific effects. IL‐10 showed significant hypomethylation (β = 0.243, p < 0.001), while IL‐8 methylation did not differ significantly (p = 0.373). ICU patients had higher mortality (26% vs 5.5%, p < 0.001).

IL‐7 hypermethylation may impair T‐cell–mediated immunity in severe cases, while IL‐10 hypomethylation may reflect enhanced immunosuppression. These findings suggest a role for epigenetic cytokine regulation in disease progression and may guide future immunomodulatory strategies.