miRNAs in the Regulation of Cancer Immune Response: Effect of miRNAs on Cancer Immunotherapy

Abstract

In the last few decades, carcinogenesis has been extensively explored and substantial research has identified immunogenic involvement in various types of cancers. As a result, immune checkpoint blockers and other immune-based therapies were developed as novel immunotherapeutic strategies. However, despite being a promising therapeutic option, immunotherapy has significant constraints such as a high cost of treatment, unpredictable toxicity, and clinical outcomes. miRNAs are non-coding, small RNAs actively involved in modulating the immune system’s multiple signalling pathways by binding to the 3′-UTR of target genes. miRNAs possess a unique advantage in modulating multiple targets of either the same or different signalling pathways. Therefore, miRNA follows a ‘one drug multiple target’ hypothesis. Attempts are made to explore the therapeutic promise of miRNAs in cancer so that it can be transported from bench to bedside for successful immunotherapeutic results. Therefore, in the current manuscript, we discussed, in detail, the mechanism and role of miRNAs in different types of cancers relating to the immune system, its diagnostic and therapeutic aspect, the effect on immune escape, immune-checkpoint molecules, and the tumour microenvironment. We have also discussed the existing limitations, clinical success and the prospective use of miRNAs in cancer.

Regulation of Inflammasome by microRNAs in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: New Opportunities for Therapy

“…MiR-9 can suppress the activation of the NLPR3 inflammasome and NF-kB signaling, thereby determining the inhibition of CASP1 expression and the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1β and IL-18). The up-regulation of miR-9 is also associated with embryonic lethal abnormal vision-like protein 1 (ELAVL1) regulation, anti-inflammatory mechanisms and the inhibition of pyroptosis cell death [ 126 ].…”

Recent advances in the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of microRNAs in colorectal cancer progression and metastasis

“…Since the disorder of microRNAs was first discovered in cancer, it has been studied extensively and uncovered new therapeutic possibilities. MiRNAs can regulate multiple signalling pathways of the immune system and have the advantage of multiple targets ( 117 ). Previous studies have shown that restoration of miR-34 expression can reduce the proliferative potential of CRC cells; thus, miR-34 can be used as a therapeutic drug ( 118 ).…”

Let-7i enhances anti-tumour immunity and suppresses ovarian tumour growth

“…miR-29a-30 and miR-21-5p) are dependent on the expression of certain miRNAs [ 34 – 37 ]. Within tumour cells, miRNAs can regulate antigen processing and presentation by targeting one or more components of the antigen processing machinery and MHC-I molecules [ 38 , 39 ]. Previous research has shown the ability of miR-326 and miR-340 for enhancing T cell infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma and large B cell lymphoma, respectively [ 40 , 41 ].…”