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MicroRNAs as Regulators of Immunity
Book chapter

MicroRNAs as Regulators of Immunity

Donald T Gracias and Peter D Katsikis
MicroRNAs in Medicine, pp 41-58
02 Dec 2013

Abstract

adaptive B cells DCs development differentiation inflammation innate macrophages miRNA T cells
In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression in the immune system. It has now become apparent that many miRNAs have important functions in the development, differentiation, expansion, and function of innate and adaptive immunity. Macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), T and B lymphocytes and other immune cells have all been shown to be regulated by miRNA. Some miRNAs, such as miR‐146a and miR‐155, have a global effect on immune responses, due to their essential roles in multiple immune cells. Interestingly, based on the cell type, these miRNAs may regulate different sets of target genes, thus modulating distinct responses. It is also increasingly evident that dysregulation of miRNAs may contribute toward initiation, as well as enhancing the pathogenesis of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Understanding how miRNAs may function in immune cells may eventually help us design therapeutic strategies for various immunological disorders, but also enhance immunity to pathogens and tumors.

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