INFβ treatment affects global DNA methylation in monocytes of patients with multiple sclerosis

The combination of genetic and epigenetic influences alters the development of complex diseases. Aberrant patterns of DNA methylation are associated with inflammation and clinical activity in MS. We evaluated the differences between global DNA methylation in lymphocytes and monocytes of patients with MS compared to healthy controls. Thirty-three patients with RRMS (PwRMS) and five healthy individuals were included. DNA was isolated from PBMCs by a phenol-chloroform method, and global methylation was analyzed by Imprint® Methylated DNA Quantification Kit. We observed a cell-type-specific DNA methylation pattern and showed that monocyte global DNA methylation was significantly affected by IFNβ treatment.