Infection by a helminth parasite is associated with changes in DNA methylation in the house sparrow

Parasites can exert strong selective pressures on their hosts and influence the evolution of host immunity. While several studies have examined the genetic basis for parasite resistance, the role of epigenetics in the immune response to parasites is less understood. Yet, epigenetic modifications, such as changes in DNA methylation, may allow species to respond rapidly to parasite prevalence or virulence. To test the role of DNA methylation in relation to parasite infection we examined genome-wide DNA methylation before and during infection by a parasitic nematode, Syngamus trachea, in a natural population of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). We found that DNA methylation levels were slightly lower in infected house sparrows, and identified candidate genes relating to the initial immune response, activation of innate and adaptive immunity, and mucus membrane functional integrity that were differentially methylated between infecte..., , Please see the README document (\"README.md\") and the accompanying published article: Lundregan, S.L., Mäkinen, H., Buer, A., Holand, H., Jensen, H. and Husby, A. 2022. Infection by a helminth parasite is associated with changes in DNA methylation in the house sparrow. Ecology and Evolution. Accepted. DOI: 10.1002/ECE3.9539