MicroRNA regulation of allergic inflammation and asthma

Curr Opin Immunol. 2015 Oct:36:101-8. doi: 10.1016/j.coi.2015.07.006. Epub 2015 Aug 5.

Abstract

Allergic diseases are prevalent and clinically heterogeneous, and are the pathologic consequence of inappropriate or exaggerated type 2 immune responses. In this review, we explore the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating allergic inflammation. We discuss how miRNAs, acting through target genes to modulate gene expression networks, impact multiple facets of immune cell function critical for type 2 immune responses including cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and effector functions. Human and mouse studies indicate that miRNAs are significant regulators of allergic immune responses. Finally, investigations of extracellular miRNAs offer promise for noninvasive biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for allergy and asthma.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Asthma / genetics*
  • Asthma / immunology
  • Asthma / metabolism
  • Asthma / therapy
  • Biomarkers
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Gene Regulatory Networks
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / genetics*
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Hypersensitivity / metabolism
  • Hypersensitivity / therapy
  • Immunity
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Messenger