Type 1 diabetes is a multifaceted autoimmune disease in which pancreatic beta cells are destroyed by autoreactive T cells. The incidence of type 1 diabetes has been rising globally. While genetic predisposition plays a significant role, it alone cannot fully explain the recent global rise in the incidence of the disease. This suggests that environmental factors are crucial contributors to the development of type 1 diabetes. Hence understanding the interplay between genetics and environmental triggers is imperative. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and chromatin accessibility, are key determinants in the regulation of gene expression and can provide insights into how environmental factors influence disease development.

There is a growing body of evidence linking epigenetic modifications with long-standing type 1 diabetes. However, the epigenetic changes that occur before seroconversion—marked by the development of autoantibodies against beta cell-specific antigens—are only beginning to be understood. These early changes are critical, as they may offer insights about the initial triggers of autoimmunity and provide opportunities for early intervention.

This article collection aims to explore and highlight the epigenetic changes in T cells that precede the onset of type 1 diabetes or the development of autoimmunity. Recent advancements in the field have significantly enhanced our ability to study these changes. Advances in whole-genome DNA methylation approaches and along with transcriptomics and histone profiling at single cell resolution using scRNA-seq and scCUT&Tag-seq have opened new avenues for high-throughput and high-resolution analyses, making it possible to investigate the epigenetic landscape of T cells in unprecedented detail.

We invite researchers to contribute to this collection with original research articles, reviews, and mini-reviews that delve into various aspects of epigenetics in the context of type 1 diabetes. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

· DNA methylation analysis: Studies that explore methylation patterns and their impact on T cell function and disease progression.

· Histone modification: Research examining how histone modifications influence gene expression and T cell behaviour in type 1 diabetes.

· Chromatin accessibility: Investigations into how chromatin structure changes affect T cell activation and autoimmunity.

· Regulation by non-coding RNAs: Articles focusing on the role of non-coding RNAs, including miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, in the epigenetic regulation of T cells.

By bringing together cutting-edge research in these areas, this article collection aims to advance our understanding of the epigenetic regulation of T cell function in type 1 diabetes. We hope to uncover potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and identify new therapeutic targets that could lead to more effective treatments for type 1 diabetes.

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Frontiers in Immunology

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