Differentially expressed miRNAs after Legionella pneumophila infection of human macrophages

Abstract

Introduction: Legionella pneumophila (L. p.) is a common cause of severe community-acquired pneumonia. This pathogen replicates primarily within alveolar macrophages and manipulates the host reaction by interfering with intracellular signaling pathways and gene transcription to support its own replication. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of mRNAs and modulate the expression of genes. They are also directly involved in the innate immunity and could therefore have an important function in the regulation of the immune response to Legionella.