Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small noncoding RNAs that fine-tune cellular gene expression. There is compelling evidence showing that miRNAs can control immune cell development and regulate innate and adaptive immunity in physiological and pathological conditions. Abnormal miRNA expression occurs in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as well as many other autoimmune diseases. Studies of miRNA expression in peripheral blood cells, body fluid, and target tissues of SLE patients have revealed unique miRNA signatures and its association with disease activity and organ damage of SLE. These findings suggest that miRNAs could be used as specific biomarkers for diagnosing SLE and assessing disease activity. Additionally, it has been shown that many dysregulated miRNAs are involved in the immune abnormalities and major organ damage in SLE through targeting key functional or regulatory genes. Here, we review our current knowledge about the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are possibly used by miRNAs in the pathogenesis of SLE, and the future applications of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the management of SLE.
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