Epigenetic Modulation of IL-7 and IL-10: Toward Personalized Immune Therapies in Viral Epidemics.

BACKGROUND

Host immune responses, including cytokine production, shape the severity of viral epidemics. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation regulate cytokine gene expression and may contribute to immune dysregulation in severe disease.

METHODS

This study analyzed interleukin-7 (IL-7), IL-8, and IL-10 promoter methylation in 145 COVID-19 patients (91 wards, 54 intensive care units (ICUs)), excluding 12 patients receiving epigenetically active drugs. Peripheral blood DNA underwent bisulfite conversion, followed by PCR and gel electrophoresis. Gene-specific methylation levels were quantified using beta values.

RESULTS

IL-7 was significantly hypermethylated overall (β = 0.835, p < 0.001), especially in ICU patients (β = 0.863, p = 0.001), independent of age, mortality, and malignancy. An interaction between age and ICU status indicated group-specific effects. IL-10 showed significant hypomethylation (β = 0.243, p < 0.001), while IL-8 methylation did not differ significantly (p = 0.373). ICU patients had higher mortality (26% vs 5.5%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

IL-7 hypermethylation may impair T-cell-mediated immunity in severe cases, while IL-10 hypomethylation may reflect enhanced immunosuppression. These findings suggest a role for epigenetic cytokine regulation in disease progression and may guide future immunomodulatory strategies.