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Ghahramani Almanghadim H, Karimi B, Valizadeh S, Ghaedi K. Biological functions and affected signaling pathways by Long Non-Coding RNAs in the immune system. Noncoding RNA Res 2025; 10:70-90. [PMID: 39315339 PMCID: PMC11417496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, the various regulative functions of long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been well determined. Recently, the vital role of LncRNAs as gene regulators has been identified in the immune system, especially in the inflammatory response. All cells of the immune system are governed by a complex and ever-changing gene expression program that is regulated through both transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes. LncRNAs regulate gene expression within the cell nucleus by influencing transcription or through post-transcriptional processes that affect the splicing, stability, or translation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Recent studies in immunology have revealed substantial alterations in the expression of lncRNAs during the activation of the innate immune system as well as the development, differentiation, and activation of T cells. These lncRNAs regulate key aspects of immune function, including the manufacturing of inflammatory molecules, cellular distinction, and cell movement. They do this by modulating protein-protein interactions or through base pairing with RNA and DNA. Here we review the current understanding of the mechanism of action of lncRNAs as novel immune-related regulators and their impact on physiological and pathological processes related to the immune system, including autoimmune diseases. We also highlight the emerging pattern of gene expression control in important research areas at the intersection between immunology and lncRNA biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bahareh Karimi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sepehr Valizadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kamran Ghaedi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
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Gheitasi R, Röll D, Müller MM, Naseri M, König R, Slevogt H, Pletz MW, Makarewicz O. Exploring secretory proteome and cytokine kinetic of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms and planktonic bacteria. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1334616. [PMID: 38571946 PMCID: PMC10989517 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1334616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a highly successful pathogen infecting various body parts and forming biofilms on natural and artificial surfaces resulting in difficult-to-treat and chronic infections. We investigated the secreted cytokines and proteomes of isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy volunteers exposed to methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) biofilms or planktonic bacteria. Additionally, the cytokine profiles in sera from patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by S. aureus were investigated. The aim was to gain insights into the immune response involved and differentiate between the planktonic and sessile MRSA forms. We identified 321 and 298 targets that were significantly differently expressed in PBMCs when exposed to planktonic or biofilm-embedded bacteria, respectively. PBMCs exposed to planktonic MRSA cells secreted increased levels of TNF-α, while IL-18 was elevated when exposed to the biofilm. The machine-learning analyses of the cytokine profiles obtained for the in vitro PBMCs and CAP sera distinguished between the two types of bacteria forms based on cytokines IL-18, IL12, and IL-17, and with a lower importance IL-6. Particularly, IL-18 which has not been correlated with S. aureus biofilms so far might represent a suitable marker for monitoring chronification during MRSA infection to individualize the therapy, but this hypothesis must be proved in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Gheitasi
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital/Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Daniela Röll
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital/Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Mario M Müller
- Septomics Research Center, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center - Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Mohadeseh Naseri
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital/Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Rainer König
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital/Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center - Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Hortense Slevogt
- Respiratory Infection Dynamics, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research-HZI Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Hannover Medical School, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Biomedical Research in Endstage & Obstructive Lung Disease (BREATH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Mathias W Pletz
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital/Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center - Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- CAPNETZ STIFTUNG, Hannover, Germany
| | - Oliwia Makarewicz
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital/Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center - Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Flores-Concha M, Gómez LA, Soto-Shara R, Molina RE, Coloma-Rivero RF, Montero DA, Ferrari Í, Oñate Á. Brucella abortus triggers the differential expression of immunomodulatory lncRNAs in infected murine macrophages. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1352306. [PMID: 38464511 PMCID: PMC10921354 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1352306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs) are the most diverse group of non-coding RNAs and are involved in most biological processes including the immune response. While some of them have been recognized for their influence on the regulation of inflammatory activity, little is known in the context of infection by Brucella abortus, a pathogen that presents significant challenges due to its ability to manipulate and evade the host immune system. This study focuses on characterize the expression profile of LincRNA-cox2, Lethe, lincRNA-EPS, Malat1 and Gas5 during infection of macrophages by B. abortus. Methods Using public raw RNA-seq datasets we constructed for a lncRNA expression profile in macrophages Brucella-infected. In addition, from public RNA-seq raw datasets of RAW264.7 cells infected with B. abortus we constructed a transcriptomic profile of lncRNAs in order to know the expression of the five immunomodulating lncRNAs studied here at 8 and 24 h post-infection. Finally, we performed in vitro infection assays in RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages to detect by qPCR changes in the expression of these lncRNAs at first 12 hours post infection, a key stage in the infection cycle where Brucella modulates the immune response to survive. Results Our results demonstrate that infection of macrophages with Brucella abortus, induces significant changes in the expression of LincRNA-Cox2, Lethe, LincRNA-EPS, Gas5, and Malat1. Discussion The change in the expression profile of these immunomodulatory lncRNAs in response to infection, suggest a potential involvement in the immune evasion strategy employed by Brucella to facilitate its intracellular survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ángel Oñate
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Department of Microbiology, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
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Gheitasi R, Keramat F, Khosravi S, Hajilooi M, Pletz MW, Makarewicz O. Evaluation of Th2 and Th17 Immunity-Related Factors as Indicators of Brucellosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 11:786994. [PMID: 35071039 PMCID: PMC8777051 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.786994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Brucellosis is a common bacterial zoonotic infection, and greater than half a million new cases are diagnosed annually. This study investigates the expression of Th2 and Th17 immunity-related factors (Th2-LCR lncRNA, IL-25, TRAF3IP2, and IL-17RB) in different stages of Brucella infections. Material and Methods In total, 99 brucellosis patients were divided into three groups (acute = first infection before treatment, relapse = before treatment, and treated = after treatment for 6–8 weeks with doxycycline and rifampin). Thirty-three healthy volunteers represented the control group. Gene expression levels were assessed by quantitative amplification in reference to the 18S rRNA gene and statistically evaluated. Results No significant differences in the expression of these genes were observed between the control group and patients after completion of antibiotic treatment. Compared to these two groups, only Th2-LCR lncRNA and TRAF3IP2 were significantly more highly expressed in the acute group. Th2-LCR lncRNA was also significantly elevated in the relapse group. TRAF3IP2 expression was additionally significantly increased in the acute group compared to the relapse group. Conclusion IL-25 and IL-17RB failed to differentiate between the infected and noninfected groups. TRAF3IP2 and Th2-LCR lncRNA might be good indicators of brucellosis during the acute phase, but the expression levels varied strongly among patients. To verify the suitability of these factors as an indicator for brucellosis, acute infection or relapse should be investigated in further studies on larger cohorts with well-defined inclusion criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Gheitasi
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Fariba Keramat
- Brucellosis Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Sara Khosravi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hajilooi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mathias W Pletz
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Oliwia Makarewicz
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Elevated Expression of the Long Noncoding RNA MAFTRR in Patients with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:3577011. [PMID: 34869781 PMCID: PMC8642024 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3577011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent an important novel class of noncoding RNA molecule greater than 200 nucleotides that play a key role in the regulation of autoimmune diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated that MAFTRR (MAF transcriptional regulator RNA) regulated Th1 cells differentiation by inhibiting the expression of MAF in activated CD4+ T cells. However, the effect of MAFTRR on the pathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) remains unclear. This research was aimed at investigating the expression of MAFTRR in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) as well as the correlation between MAFTRR and Th1 cells. Methods Thirty-eight HT patients and thirty-eight healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The proportion of Th1 cells and CD8+IFN-γ+ T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from these specimens was determined by flow cytometric analysis. The transcript levels of MAFTRR, MAF, and IFNG in PBMCs and thyroid glands were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the potential value of MAFTRR in the HT patients. Results We found that the proportion of circulating Th1 cells and the transcript levels of IFNG were increased in peripheral blood of the HT patients. The transcript levels of MAFTRR were significantly increased in the HT patients and positively correlated with the percentage of Th1 cells and serum levels of antithyroglobulin antibody and antithyroperoxidase antibody. The transcript levels of MAF, a transcription factor that inhibits Th1 cells activity and IFN-γ production, were attenuated in PBMCs from the HT patients. The transcript levels of IFNG had positive and inverse correlations with MAFTRR and MAF expression in PBMCs from the HT patients, respectively. Additionally, a significantly positive correlation between upregulated MAFTRR expression and augmented IFNG expression was revealed in thyroid tissues from the HT patients. ROC curve suggested that MAFTRR could potentially differentiate the HT patients from healthy controls. Conclusion MAFTRR is significantly augmented in the HT patients and may contribute to the pathogenic role of the Th1 cells response in HT.
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Manoochehri H, Gheitasi R, Pourjafar M, Yazdi A, Sheykhhasan M, Amini R. Investigating the relationship between the severity of coronary artery disease and expression level of TRAF3IP2. GENE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2021.101041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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