Regulatory and immunomodulatory role of miR-34a in T cell immunity

Life Sci. 2020 Dec 1:262:118209. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118209. Epub 2020 Aug 4.

Abstract

miRNAs are a class of non-coding RNAs and very conserve molecules that negatively regulate the expression of many genes by targeting the 3' UTR of mRNAs. miRNAs are involved in the modulation of T-cell biology during the earliest and last stages and key controllers of T-cell differentiation and function. The miR-34a, as a major hub of the regulatory network of T cells, plays an important role in T cell activation. miR-34a is widely expressed in immune cells (dendritic cells, macrophages, mast cells, B cells, and T cells) and regulates their development, function, and survival. This miRNA, by targeting over 30 genes across different cellular pathways controls immune response. miR-34a expression is controlled by p53 in transcription level. As well as, miR-34a by activating dendritic cells mediates innate immune response and increases tumor-infiltrating CD8 expression T lymphocytes. In various types of cancers and autoimmune diseases, miR-34a can regulate T cell function and become a possible significant target of microRNA-based therapy. Therefore, in this review, we focus on miR-34a-related regulatory mechanisms in T cell function and understanding mechanisms and molecules involved in this network.

Keywords: Immune response; Regulatory; T cell; miR-34a.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoimmune Diseases / genetics
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate / immunology
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • MIRN34 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs