How the Environment Influences Epigenetics, DNA Methylation, and Autoimmune Diseases

The list of environmental factors implicated in autoimmune diseases is growing and includes exogenous and endogenous infectious agents; drugs; diet; and agents that cause oxidative stress, such as smoking and UV light exposure. However, mechanisms for the role of environmental agents in inducing autoimmune diseases are poorly understood. For some of these factors, clues are emerging to support an effect on the epigenetic machinery, thus offering the possibility of preventing or treating autoimmune diseases in patients in novel ways.