Chapter 8 - Non-coding RNAs in human infectious diseases

Abstract

Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic living organisms and pose a significant threat to the survival and progress of humankind. Upon infection, the pathogen is identified by the germline-encoded sensors called pathogen recognition receptors, which finally leads to the transcription of several host factors. These host factors involve proteins, antimicrobial peptides, and non-coding RNAs. Non-coding RNA, as the name suggests, does not code for any protein and is classified into structural non-coding RNA and regulatory non-coding RNA. miRNA and lncRNAs play crucial role at the pathogen-host interface. They can regulate cellular innate immune mechanisms during bacterial or viral infections. Some non-coding RNAs can directly interact with viral RNAs to suppress or enhance their replication. However, sometimes the pathogen can also utilize human non-coding RNAs to promote its own survival. Non-coding RNAs are highly dysregulated in several infectious diseases. Due to their unique properties and mode of action, they can be a potential therapeutic tool. Non-coding RNAs have several advantages over conventional drugs or antibody therapy. Many proteins that play an essential role in standard biological processes cannot be targeted efficiently by conventional therapeutic approaches. RNA-based therapy can act as a solution by targeting these undruggable proteins. The non-coding RNAs can also travel to different body parts through microvesicles and long-range target contacts, exhibiting a paracrine effect. Many companies like miRagen Therapeutics Inc., Mirna Therapeutics Inc., Regulus Therapeutics, and Santaris Pharma have actively developed non-coding RNA-based therapeutics. This chapter focuses on the interplay of the host/viral non-coding RNAs with the immune components which regulate the microbial life cycle and the pathology. Understanding these non-coding RNAs and their therapeutic potential could guide us toward effective treatment regimes.