Epigenetic basis of infectious diseases

ABSTRACT

Infection refers to the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and worms. Infectious diseases are the major cause of morbidity and mortality globally and represent a major threat to humankind. Infection is known to be able to profoundly alter the epigenetic state of the infected tissue. Cellular epigenome like DNA methylation and histone modification patterns is responsive to the pathogens. Host epigenetic perturbation has been evident in response to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Coronaviruses, such as MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-1, cause host tissue epigenetic alterations by antagonizing host antigen presentation or activating interferon-response genes. The vulnerability of the elderly to SARS-CoV-2 has been linked to the effect of the epigenome on viral entry. Although numerous studies have addressed the impact of infection-induced host tissue epigenetic changes in cancer development, the broader significance of such changes remains unclear. This chapter presents novel insights on how persistent microbial infections hijack host nuclear functions and take advantage of the cellular epigenetic network to ensure microbial replication, persistence, and evasion from the host immune response. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.