Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, in particular an in vitro method, for identifying CD3CD4 positive T lymphocytes of a mammal, wherein said method comprises analysing the methylation status of at least one CpG position in the CD3a/b/c/d/g genes, in particular their “upstream” regulatory regions, and in particular the promoter and other conserved regions of the gene cd3, wherein a demethylation of at least one CpG in the analyzed sample to at least 90% is indicative for memory and naive CD4 or/and memory and/or naïve T lymphocytes. Furthermore, the present invention is directed at the use of DNA-methylation analysis of the genes CD3a/b/c/d for the detection and quality assurance and control of T lymphocytes. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a kit for performing the above methods as well as respective uses thereof.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, nucleic acids and molecular markers for the characterization of cells, tissues and heterogeneous mixtures of cells. Specifically, it describes particular genes and genomic regions in which DNA methylation patterns are a consistent and characteristic property of different cell types, states and stages of differentiation. The invention is useful in determining the identity, composition, quality and potency of cells and cell populations. Furthermore, the invention will be useful in monitoring the differentiation of cells.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, nucleic acids and molecular markers for the characterization of cells, tissues and heterogeneous mixtures of cells. Specifically, it describes particular genes and genomic regions in which DNA methylation patterns are a consistent and characteristic property of different cell types, states and stages of differentiation. The invention is useful in determining the identity, composition, quality and potency of cells and cell populations. Furthermore, the invention will be useful in monitoring the differentiation of cells.