DNA Methylation Patterns in CD4+ T Cells Discriminate Between Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

According to a study published in Frontiers in Immunology, DNA methylation profiles in CD4+ T cells can discriminate between skin with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Researchers aimed to uncover disease-associated DNA methylation patterns in CD4+ T cells from patients with psoriasis and PsA to potentially identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. They collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 12 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, 8 patients with PsA, and 8 healthy control individuals; isolated CD4+ T cells; and conducted DNA methylation profiling using Illumina EPIC850K arrays. Bioinformatic analyses, including gene ontology and pathway analysis, were performed.

The results revealed 883 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) affecting 548 genes between healthy control patients and all patients with psoriasis. These DNA methylation patterns effectively distinguished control individuals from patients with psoriasis. Notably, a significant proportion of DMPs were associated with interferon (IFN)-related genes, indicating the involvement of IFN in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Furthermore, the study found that DNA methylation profiles could distinguish between patients with skin psoriasis and PsA, with 2949 DMPs affecting 1084 genes. These genes were related to various cellular activities, including cAMP-dependent protein kinase regulation.

“DNA methylation signatures may be applied for quantification of disease activity and patient stratification toward individualized treatment,” the authors concluded.

Reference
Natoli V, Charras A, Hofmann SR, et al. DNA methylation patterns in CD4⁺ T-cells separate psoriasis patients from healthy controls, and skin psoriasis from psoriatic arthritis. Front Immunol. Published online August 15, 2023. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1245876