Regulatory roles of micro-RNAs in T cell autoimmunity.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short conserved non-coding RNA molecules that have recently emerged as post-transcriptional gene expression regulators. miRNAs degrade or repress target mRNAs by targeting the 3' UTR region. miRNA-mediated gene regulation is crucial for regular biological processes such as immune cell lineage commitment, differentiation, maturation, and maintenance of immune homeostasis and regular function. Changes in miRNA expression patterns have been recorded in a wide range of human diseases, including autoimmunity, especially in T cell-related autoimmunity. This review discusses recent progress in miRNA-mediated regulation of T cell-related autoimmunity. Specifically, we discuss the modality of T cell-related autoimmunity regulation by miRNAs through affecting molecular and biological processes.