Role of MicroRNAs in Regulating T Cell Responses in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRs) are non-coding RNAs, which are approximately 18-24 nucleotides, negatively regulating targeted genes by binding to 3’-untranslated region (UTRs)of messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Increasing evidences have demonstrated that multiple miRsare involved in the immune regulation in innate and adaptive immune systems and contribute to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a chronic gastrointestinal inflammation, in which T cells, especially CD4 + T helper (Th) cells, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis. In this review, we discusspotential roles of miRs in the regulation of T cell immune responses in inflammatory disorders, particularly inhuman IBD.