Epigenetic events have been linked with disease expression in individuals 
genetically predisposed to the development of systemic lupus erythematosus 
(SLE), a severe systemic autoimmune/inflammatory disease. Altered DNA 
methylation and hydroxymethylation as well as histone modifications mediate 
changes in chromatin accessibility and gene expression in immune cells from SLE 
patients. Defective epigenetic control contributes to uncontrolled expression of 
inflammatory mediators, including cytokines and co-receptors, resulting in 
systemic inflammation and tissue damage. While the pathophysiological 
involvement of epigenetic changes in SLE has been accepted for some time, we 
only recently started to investigate and understand molecular events 
contributing to epigenetic dysregulation. Here, epigenetic alterations will be 
discussed with a focus on underling molecular events that may be target of 
preventative measures or future treatment strategies.