Epigenetic and 3-dimensional regulation of V(D)J rearrangement of immunoglobulin genes

Semin Immunol. 2010 Dec;22(6):346-52. doi: 10.1016/j.smim.2010.08.002. Epub 2010 Sep 15.

Abstract

V(D)J recombination is a crucial component of the adaptive immune response, allowing for the production of a diverse antigen receptor repertoire (Ig and TCR). This review will focus on how epigenetic regulation and 3-dimensional (3D) interactions may control V(D)J recombination at Ig loci. The interplay between transcription factors and post-translational modifications at the Igh, Igκ, and Igλ loci will be highlighted. Furthermore, we propose that the spatial organization and epigenetic boundaries of each Ig loci before and during V(D)J recombination may be influenced in part by the CTCF/cohesin complex. Taken together, the many epigenetic and 3D layers of control ensure that Ig loci are only rearranged at appropriate stages of B cell development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic
  • Epigenomics*
  • Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte*
  • Genes, Immunoglobulin*
  • Humans