MicroRNAs are key regulators controlling iNKT and regulatory T-cell development and function

Cell Mol Immunol. 2011 Sep;8(5):380-7. doi: 10.1038/cmi.2011.27. Epub 2011 Aug 8.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an abundant class of evolutionarily conserved, small, non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate expression of their target genes. Emerging evidence indicates that miRNAs are important regulators that control the development, differentiation and function of different immune cells. Both CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are critical for immune homeostasis and play a pivotal role in the maintenance of self-tolerance and immunity. Here, we review the important roles of miRNAs in the development and function of iNKT and Treg cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / immunology
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases / genetics
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases / immunology
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases / metabolism
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate* / genetics
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / immunology*
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Natural Killer T-Cells / immunology*
  • Natural Killer T-Cells / metabolism
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional / genetics
  • RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional / immunology*
  • RNA Stability / immunology*
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • Ribonuclease III / genetics
  • Ribonuclease III / immunology
  • Ribonuclease III / metabolism
  • Self Tolerance / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • MicroRNAs
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Dicer1 protein, mouse
  • Drosha protein, mouse
  • Ribonuclease III
  • DEAD-box RNA Helicases