Abstract
Mucosal surface epithelial cells are equipped with several defense mechanisms that guard against pathogens. Recent studies indicate that microRNAs (miRNAs) mediate post-transcriptional gene suppression and may be a critical component of the complex regulatory networks in epithelial immune responses. Transcription of miRNA genes in epithelial cells can be elaborately controlled through pathogen recognition receptors, such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and associated nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, and ultimately nuclear transcription factor associated-transactivation and transrepression. Activation of these intracellular signaling pathways may also modulate the process of miRNA maturation. Functionally, miRNAs may modulate epithelial immune responses at every step of the innate immune network, including production and release of cytokines/chemokines, expression of adhesion and costimulatory molecules, shuttling of miRNAs through release of exosomes and feedback regulation of immune homeostasis. Therefore, miRNAs act as critical regulators to the fine-tuning of epithelial immune responses.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics
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Cell Adhesion Molecules / immunology
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Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism
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Cytokines / genetics
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Cytokines / immunology
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Cytokines / metabolism
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Epithelial Cells / immunology*
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Epithelial Cells / metabolism
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Feedback, Physiological / drug effects
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Homeostasis / drug effects
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Homeostasis / genetics
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Homeostasis / immunology*
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Humans
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Immunity, Innate*
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Immunity, Mucosal*
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Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology
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Mice
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MicroRNAs / genetics
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MicroRNAs / immunology*
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / genetics
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / immunology
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
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NF-kappa B / genetics
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NF-kappa B / immunology
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NF-kappa B / metabolism
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Signal Transduction / drug effects
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Signal Transduction / immunology*
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Toll-Like Receptors / genetics
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Toll-Like Receptors / immunology
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Toll-Like Receptors / metabolism
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Transcription Factors / genetics
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Transcription Factors / immunology
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Transcription Factors / metabolism
Substances
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Cell Adhesion Molecules
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Cytokines
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Lipopolysaccharides
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MicroRNAs
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NF-kappa B
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Toll-Like Receptors
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Transcription Factors
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Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases