CHAPTER 6: Involvement of MicroRNAs in Autoimmune Diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding, single-stranded RNA molecules that play a critical role in regulating gene expression. miRNAs govern numerous immunological processes by regulating immune cell development, maturation, proliferation, activation, differentiation, and other functions that include cytokine and antibody secretion, and antigen presentation. Such regulation has been implicated in a variety of immune cells, not limited to T cells, B cells, dendritic cells and macrophages that are discussed in this chapter. Consequently, miRNAs have been identified as critical regulators of immune homeostasis and pathology. Growing evidence suggests the dysregulation of miRNAs within various immune cell subsets and related tissues is a crucial driver of autoimmunity. This chapter summarizes key studies investigating miRNAs in transgenic mice and preclinical autoimmune models, as well as in human samples from patients with autoimmune diseases. These studies have advanced our understanding of the role of miRNAs in regulating various immune cell subsets in specific autoimmune conditions, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and inflammatory bowel disease. Such compelling studies highlight the potential utility of miRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases.