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. 2018 Dec 14;9(12):633. doi: 10.3390/genes9120633

Figure 3.

Figure 3

Histone modifications modulate the immune response. (1) HDACis are able to modulate the immune innate and adaptive immune host cells and other components of the immune system. HDACis enhance the expression of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), co-stimulatory molecules, death receptors, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the surface of tumor cells. In natural killer (NK) cells, HDACis enhance the expression of NKG2D and the secretion of cytotoxic granules. In antigen-presenting cells (APCs), HDACis induce the expression of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I molecules. In cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), HDACis increase the expression of co-stimulatory molecules and the secretion of cytotoxic granules. HDACis also suppress the function and populations of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and Tregs. (2) Histone methyltransferase inhibitors (HMTis) enhance the expression of NKG2D and promote NK cell activation. HMTis suppress the function of Tregs, enhance the secretion of chemokines, and promote infiltration of Teffs.