The Involvement of MicroRNAs in Modulation of Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Lupus Nephritis

Abstract

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), represent a family of RNA molecules that do not translate into protein. Nevertheless, they have the ability to regulate gene expression and play an essential role in immune cell differentiation and function. MicroRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in various tissues, and changes in their expression have been associated with several pathological processes. Yet, their roles in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN) remain to be elucidated. Both SLE and LN are characterized by a complex dysfunction of the innate and adaptive immunity. Recently, significant findings have been made in understanding SLE through the use of genetic variant identification and expression pattern analysis and mouse models, as well as epigenetic analyses. Abnormalities in immune cell responses, cytokine and chemokine production, cell activation, and apoptosis have been linked to a unique expression pattern of a number of miRNAs that have been implicated in the immune pathogenesis of this autoimmune disease. The recent evidence that significantly increased the understanding of the pathogenesis of SLE drives a renewed interest in efficient therapy targets. This review aims at providing an overview of the current state of research on the expression and role of miRNAs in the immune pathogenesis of SLE and LN.

Diagnostic significance of circulating miRNAs in systemic lupus erythematosus

“…Since the introduction of miRNAs almost a decade ago, a series of publications have demonstrated the emerging role of miRNAs in the regulation of immune system development, maturation, and the pathological mechanisms of autoimmune disease, including SLE [43][44][45][46][47]. Furthermore, they can also be used in monitoring SLE disease severity function as novel potential targets for lupus treatment [47].…”

Evaluation of Micro-RNA199 in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with and without lupus nephritis

“…MiRNAs (as: miR-155, miR-663a/miR-423-5p, and Let-7) are well represented in both nuclear factor (NF)-κB and IFN-γ causing LN (Honarpisheh, Köhler, von Rauchhaupt, & Lech, 2018). NF-κB can induce inflammation and fibrosis in LN by regulating the transcription of proinflammatory cytokines (Brightbill et al, 2018).…”

MicroRNA (miRNA): A New Dimension in the Pathogenesis of Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS)

“…Even more data have been accumulated in regard to SLE. Many recent findings illuminate transcriptional regulation and chromatin modification as the critical point for development of autoimmunity, including connective tissue diseases [62][63][64][65][66][67]. Following the first study in 2007, hundreds of miRNAs have been identified as having a potential role in modulating the immune system toward autoimmune response.…”