hsa-miR-181-5p inhibits human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication by downregulating DDX3X expression

The Role of MicroRNAs in HIV Infection

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small, non-coding RNAs, play a pivotal role in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. These regulatory molecules are integral to many biological processes and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. This review aims to cover the current understanding of the multifaceted roles miRNAs assume in the context of HIV infection and pathogenesis. The discourse is structured around three primary focal points: (i) elucidation of the mechanisms through which miRNAs regulate HIV replication, encompassing both direct targeting of viral transcripts and indirect modulation of host factors critical for viral replication; (ii) examination of the modulation of miRNA expression by HIV, mediated through either viral proteins or the activation of cellular pathways consequent to viral infection; and (iii) assessment of the impact of miRNAs on the immune response and the progression of disease in HIV-infected individuals. Further, this review delves into the potential utility of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic agents in HIV infection, underscoring the challenges and prospects inherent to this line of inquiry. The synthesis of current evidence positions miRNAs as significant modulators of the host-virus interplay, offering promising avenues for enhancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection.

Role of microRNAs in host defense against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection: a hidden front line

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is one of the most globally devastating viruses threatening the swine industry worldwide. Substantial advancements have been achieved in recent years towards comprehending the pathogenesis of PRRSV infection and the host response, involving both innate and adaptive immune responses. Not only a multitude of host proteins actively participate in intricate interactions with viral proteins, but microRNAs (miRNAs) also play a pivotal role in the host response to PRRSV infection. If a PRRSV-host interaction at the protein level is conceptualized as the front line of the battle between pathogens and host cells, then their fight at the RNA level resembles the hidden front line. miRNAs are endogenous small non-coding RNAs of approximately 20-25 nucleotides (nt) that primarily regulate the degradation or translation inhibition of target genes by binding to the 3'-untranslated regions (UTRs). Insights into the roles played by viral proteins and miRNAs in the host response can enhance our comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of PRRSV infection. The intricate interplay between viral proteins and cellular targets during PRRSV infection has been extensively explored. This review predominantly centers on the contemporary understanding of the host response to PRRSV infection at the RNA level, in particular, focusing on the twenty-six miRNAs that affect viral replication and the innate immune response.

Role of microRNAs in Immune Regulation with Translational and Clinical Applications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 19-23 nucleotide long, evolutionarily conserved noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In this review, involvement of miRNAs is summarized in the differentiation and function of immune cells, in anti-infective immune responses, immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases. Roles of miRNAs in anticancer immunity and in the transplantation of solid organs and hematopoietic stem cells are also discussed. Major focus is put on the translational clinical applications of miRNAs, including the establishment of noninvasive biomarkers for differential diagnosis and prediction of prognosis. Patient selection and response prediction to biological therapy is one of the most promising fields of application. Replacement or inhibition of miRNAs has enormous therapeutic potential, with constantly expanding possibilities. Although important challenges still await solutions, evaluation of miRNA fingerprints may contribute to an increasingly personalized management of immune dysregulation with a remarkable reduction in toxicity and treatment side effects. More detailed knowledge of the molecular effects of physical exercise and nutrition on the immune system may facilitate self-tailored lifestyle recommendations and advances in prevention.

MicroRNA transcriptome analysis reveals the immune regulatory mechanism of Crassostrea hongkongesis against Vibrio harveyi infection

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that modulate target-genes expression and play crucial roles in post-transcriptional regulation and immune system regulation. The Hong Kong oyster (Crassostrea hongkongesis), as the main marine aquaculture shellfish in the South China Sea, not only has high economic and ecological value, but also is an ideal model for conducting research on pathogen host interaction. Vibrio harveyi, a Gram negative luminescent marine bacterium, is widely distributed in coastal water environments and can cause large-scale death of C. hongkongesis. However, little in formation is available on the immune regulatory mechanisms of C. hongkongesis infected with V. harveyi. Therefore, we performed microRNA transcriptome analysis for elucidating the immunoregulation mechanism of C. hongkongesis infected with V. harveyi. The results show that a total of 308468208 clean reads and 288371159 clean tags were obtained. 222 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified. A total of 388 target genes that were differentially expressed and negatively correlated with miRNA expression were predicted by 222 DEmiRs. GO enrichment analysis of 388 DETGs showed that they were mainly enriched in the immune-related term of membrane-bounded vesicle, endocytic vesicle lumen, antigen processing and presentation of exogenous peptide antigen via MHC class I, antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen via MHC class I, and other immune-related term. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that DETGs were mainly enriched in the Complement and coagulation cascades, Herpes simplex virus 1 infection, Bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, Antigen processing and presentation and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. The 16 key DEmiRs and their target genes form a regulatory network for seven immune-related pathways. These results suggest that V. harveyi infection induces a complex miRNA response with wide-ranging effects on immune gene expression in the C. hongkongesis. This study explored the immune response of C. hongkongesis to V. harveyi infection at the level of miRNAs, which provides new ideas for the healthy culture and selective breeding of C. hongkongesis.