Date of Publication :8th September 2024

Abstract:Epigenetics involves changes in the expression of genes but does not alter the DNA sequence itself. The importance of these key mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs on the downregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, are examined, which are essential for the recognition of tumour-associated antigens by the immune system. Inhibition of MHC molecule expression due to aberrant epigenetic modifications causes cancer cells to evade the immune system, thereby promoting tumour growth and metastasis. The difficulty in diagnosing cancers based on epigenetic markers are explored, particularly the variability of epigenetic modifications across different cancer types and individuals. The effectiveness of techniques such as bisulfite sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) in detecting these epigenetic modifications is discussed, despite the complexities posed by the heterogeneity of these changes. The need for personalised diagnostic approaches is emphasised. The potential benefits of combining epigenetic therapies with immunotherapy, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies, are highlighted as promising strategies to counteract immune evasion by cancer cells. This study investigated peer reviewed published articles to provide an overview on the critical effects of epigenetic modifications on cancer cell expression and their role in immune evasion and tumour progression. Furthermore, the importance of epigenetic regulation in developing personalised cancer therapies that could significantly enhance patient outcomes is underlined.

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