Epigenetic Changes in Foxp 3 in Treg of Identical Twins Discordant for Asthma NATURAL SCIENCES

Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation, wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness due to dysfunctional regulatory T cells (Treg) that are normally regulated by the Foxp3 transcription factor. In this study, we investigated the role of ambient air pollution exposure in the development of asthma and increased severity of symptoms via epigenetic mechanisms. We found that identical twins had different disease outcomes, in which the asthmatic twin had lower Treg function and Foxp3 expression. Our study shows the influence of hazardous environmental exposures on health and highlights the importance of further exploration into epigenetics.