Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate posttranscription by binding to 3′-untranslated regions of target mRNAs. Recent functional studies have elucidated mechanisms that miRNAs regulate leukotriene synthesis by perturbing arachidonic acid metabolism. Both microarrays and high-throughput sequencing revealed distinct differential expression of miRNAs in children with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection compared with healthy controls. Abnormal miRNA expression may contribute to higher leukotriene levels, which is associated with airway hyperreactivity. Targeting miRNAs may benefit to restore the homeostasis of inflammatory reaction and provide new strategies to alleviate airway hyperreactivity induced by RSV. In this article, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about miRNAs modulating leukotrienes through regulation of arachidonic acid metabolism with a special focus on miRNAs aberrantly expressed in children with RSV infection.
Highlights
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common pathogen of acute lower respiratory infection in children and the leading cause of hospitalization in childhood, which results in a great burden on global health-care services [1, 2]
Overexpressed leukotrienes are closely related to airway hyperreactivity (AHR), mucous cell metaplasia, leukocyte aggregation, and airway barrier destruction following RSV infection
To explore the mechanism of action of miRNAs in RSV infection is important for developing strategies to restore the level of leukotrienes
Summary
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common pathogen of acute lower respiratory infection in children and the leading cause of hospitalization in childhood, which results in a great burden on global health-care services [1, 2]. Further studies suggest that RSV induces the expression of 5-LOX in bronchial epithelial cells and increases airway inflammation [35]. In addition to the cellular level, RSV infection leads to changes in the expression of exosome miRNAs such as Let-7a, Let-7f, miR320a, miR-21, miR-4449, and miR-22 [52]. MiRNAs in exosome, which is an important tool for intercellular communication, play an important role in pathogenesis and protection against diseases In this way, the change of miRNA expression by RSV infection can act on the infected cells themselves and regulate intercellular communication, affecting the local microenvironment. We focus on the expression and role of several kinds of miRNA which are widely involved in the regulation of inflammatory pathways after RSV infection.
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