MiRNAs: dynamic regulators of immune cell functions in inflammation and cancer. (1st September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hirschberger, Simon; Hinske, Ludwig Christian; Kreth, Simone
• Is Part Of: Cancer letters. Volume 431(2018)
• Page Start: 11
• Page End: 21
• Publication Date: 2018-09-01
• Subjects: Immuno-miRs -- Immune cell function -- MicroRNA-containing exosomes -- Tumor immune escape; Cancer -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.05.020
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0304-3835

Abstract

Abstract: MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNA molecules, have emerged as important regulators of almost all cellular processes. By binding to specific sequence motifs within the 3′- untranslated region of their target mRNAs, they induce either mRNA degradation or translational repression. In the human immune system, potent miRNAs and miRNA-clusters have been discovered, that exert pivotal roles in the regulation of gene expression. By targeting cellular signaling hubs, these so-called immuno-miRs have fundamental regulative impact on both innate and adaptive immune cells in health and disease. Importantly, they also act as mediators of tumor immune escape. Secreted by cancer cells and consecutively taken up by immune cells, immuno-miRs are capable to influence immune functions towards a blunted anti-tumor response, thus shaping a permissive tumor environment. This review provides an overview of immuno-miRs and their functional impact on individual immune cell entities. Further, implications of immuno-miRs in the amelioration of tumor surveillance are discussed. Highlights: Immuno-miRs exert strong impact on innate and adaptive immune cells. Immuno-miRs regulate central inflammatory signaling pathways. Tumor microenvironment and tumor-derived exosomes alter immune cell miRNA expression. Tumor-induced upregulation of immunosuppressive miRNAs enables tumor immune escape.