Research Paper Volume 2, Issue 2 pp 93—100

Age-associated epigenetic modifications in human DNA increase its immunogenicity

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Figure 3. Immunogenicity of mammalian DNA correlates inversely with DNA methylation. (A) DNA was methylated using a methyl transferase enzyme and percent global methylation was measured by ELISA. Bar diagram shows the percent of global methylation at 0h, 4h and 16h after the reaction. Figure is mean + S.E. of five separate DNA tested. (B) The immunogenicity of the methylated DNA was determined by measuring the IFN-α secretion by DCs. Bar diagram shows the level of IFN-α secreted by DCs in response to the DNA. Figure is mean + S.E. of five separate DNA tested. (C) PBMCs were treated with hydrogen peroxide to induce DNA damage. Damaged DNA was extracted and the extent of damage was determined by ELISA. Bar diagram shows the level of DNA damage before and after treatment. Figure is mean + S.E. of five separate DNA tested (D) The immunogenicity of the H2O2 damaged DNA was determined by measuring the IFN-α secretion by DCs. Bar diagram shows the level of IFN-α secreted by DCs in response to the DNA. Figure is mean + S.E. of five separate DNA tested.