| 摘要 |
<p>The present invention relates to a method, in particular an in vitro method for identifying FoxP3 -positive CD25+CD4+ regulatory T cells of a mammal, comprising analyzing the methylation status of at least one CpG position in the FOXP3 gene, in particular its "upstream" regulatory regions, and in particular the promoter and the TSDR region of the gene foxp3, wherein a demethylation to at least 90% of at least one CpG in the sample as analyzed is indicative for a FoxP3 -positive CD25+CD4+ regulatory T cell, and the use of said DNA- methylation analysis of the gene of the transcription factor FoxP3 for a detection and quality assurance and control of regulatory T cells. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a kit for performing the above methods as well as respective uses. The present invention furthermore provides an improved method for analyzing the methylation status of at least one CpG position in the gene foxp3 that allows for a precise analysis even from sub-optimal quality samples, such as non-freshly obtained blood or serum samples.</p> |
