Investigation of LncRNAs Expression as a Potential Biomarker in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Brucellosis

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are significant contributors to bacterial infections and host defense responses, presenting a novel class of gene regulators beyond conventional protein-coding genes. This narrative review aimed to explore the involvement of LncRNAs as a potential biomarker in the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections, with a specific focus on Brucella infections. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies examining the roles of LncRNAs in immune responses during bacterial infections, with a specific emphasis on Brucella infections. PubMed, Scopus and other major scientific databases were searched using relevant keywords. LncRNAs crucially regulate immune responses to bacterial infections, influencing transcription factors, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and immune cell behavior, with both positive and negative effects. The NF-κB pathway is a key regulator for many LncRNAs in bacterial infections. During Brucella infections, essential LncRNAs activate the innate immune response, increasing proinflammatory cytokine production and immune cell differentiation. LncRNAs are associated with human brucellosis, holding promise for screening, diagnostics, or therapeutics. Further research is needed to fully understand LncRNAs' precise functions in Brucella infection and pathogenesis. Specific LncRNAs, like IFNG-AS1 and NLRP3, are upregulated during brucellosis, while others, such as Gm28309, are downregulated, influencing immunosuppression and bacterial survival. Investigating the prognostic and therapeutic potential of Brucella-related LncRNAs warrants ongoing investigation, including their roles in other immune cells like macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils responsible for bacterial clearance. Unraveling the intricate relationship between LncRNAs and brucellosis may reveal novel regulatory mechanisms and LncRNAs' roles in infection regulation, expediting diagnostics and enhancing therapeutic strategies against Brucella infections.