MicroRNAs in regulatory T cells

MicroRNAs and Periodontal Disease: Helpful Therapeutic Targets?

Periodontal disease is the most common oral disease. This disease can be considered as an inflammatory disease. The immune response to bacteria accumulated in the gum line plays a key role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. In addition to immune cells, periodontal ligament cells and gingival epithelial cells are also involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. miRNAs which are small RNA molecules with around 22 nucleotides have a considerable relationship with the immune system affecting a wide range of immunological events. These small molecules are also in relation with periodontium tissues especially periodontal ligament cells. Extensive studies have been performed in recent years on the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. In this review paper, we have reviewed the results of these studies and discussed the role of miRNAs in the immunopathogenesis of periodontal disease comprehensively. miRNAs play an important role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and maybe helpful therapeutic targets for the treatment of periodontal disease.

Identification of CD4+ Conventional T Cells-Related lncRNA Signature to Improve the Prediction of Prognosis and Immunotherapy Response in Breast Cancer

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignancies in women, and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of its development. T cells can recognize and kill cancer cells, and CD4⁺ T conventional (Tconv) cells are the main orchestrators of cancer immune function. However, research on CD4⁺ Tconv-related lncRNAs (CD4TLAs) prognostic signature in patients with BC is still lacking.

Method

A TCGA database and a GEO database were used to collect the BC patients. Through LASSO Cox regression analysis CD4TLAs-related prognostic models were further constructed, and risk scores (RS) were generated and developed a nomogram based on CD4TLAs. The accuracy of this model was validated in randomized cohorts and different clinical subgroups. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore potential signature-based functions. The role of RS has been further explored in the tumor microenvironment (TME), immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.

Result

A prognostic model based on 16 CD4TLAs was identified. High-RS was significantly associated with a poorer prognosis. RS was shown to be an independent prognostic indicator in BC patients. The low-RS group had a significant expression of immune infiltrating cells and significantly enriched immune-related functional pathways. In addition, the results of immunotherapy prediction indicated that patients with low-RS were more sensitive to immunotherapy.

Conclusions

Our signature has potential predictive value for BC prognosis and immunotherapy response. The findings of this work have greatly increased our understanding of CD4TLA in BC.

Function of miR-24 and miR-27 in Pediatric Patients With Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

Purpose: We investigated the pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) by measuring the effects two specific miRNAs on Th2 cells in children with this disease. Methods: After informed consent, we enrolled 20 children with active INS before steroid initiation, 20 children with INS in remission after steroid therapy, and 20 age-matched healthy controls. Flow cytometry was used to measure the levels of Th2 cells and a cytometric bead array was used to measure the levels of IgE, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-13. RT-PCR was used to measure the levels of miR-24 and miR-27 in CD4⁺TCD25^- cells. PBMCs were isolated using Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and transfected with different mimic or inhibitor miRNAs. RT-PCR was used to measure the expression of different RNAs, and flow cytometry was used to determine the percentage of Th2 cells. Results: Relative to healthy controls, children with active INS had higher percentages of Th2 cells (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in controls and children in remission. The plasma levels of IgE, IL-4, and IL-13 were significantly increased in children with active INS (P < 0.05). There were lower levels of miR-24 and miR-27 in children with active non-atopic INS (P < 0.05). Transfection experiments indicated that upregulation of each miRNA decreased the percentage of Th2 cells and the level of IL-4 (P < 0.05), and down-regulation of each miRNA had the opposite effects (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Children with active INS, with or without atopy, had higher levels of IgE, possibly related to their higher levels of IL-13 and IL-4 due to a drift toward Th2 cells. miR-24 and miR-27 suppressed the expression of Th2 cells and have a critical function regulating Th2 cell expression in INS.