The Potential Role of circRNA in Tumor Immunity Regulation and Immunotherapy

Front Immunol. 2018 Jan 22:9:9. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00009. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) can be divided into circular non-coding RNAs (circRNAs) and linear ncRNAs. ncRNAs exist in different cell types, including normal cells, tumor cells and immunocytes. Linear ncRNAs, such as long ncRNAs and microRNAs, have been found to play important roles in the regulation of tumor immunity and immunotherapy; however, the functions of circRNAs in tumor immunity and immunotherapy are less known. Here, we review the current status of ncRNAs in the regulation of tumor immunity and immunotherapy and emphatically discuss the potential roles of circRNAs as tumor antigens in the regulation of tumor immunity and immunotherapy.

Keywords: antitumor immunity; circular RNAs; non-coding RNAs; tumor antigen; tumor immunotherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Neoplasm / immunology*
  • Cancer Vaccines / immunology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy*
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Oncolytic Virotherapy
  • RNA, Untranslated / genetics*

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Cancer Vaccines
  • RNA, Untranslated