Immunobiology of Long Noncoding RNAs

Abstract

The discovery of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) has provided a new perspective on gene regulation in diverse biological contexts. lncRNAs are remarkably versatile molecules that interact with RNA, DNA, or proteins to promote or restrain the expression of protein-coding genes. Activation of immune cells is associated with dynamic changes in expression of genes, the products of which combat infectious microorganisms, initiate repair, and resolve inflammatory responses in cells and tissues. Recent evidence indicates that lncRNAs play important roles in directing the development of diverse immune cells and controlling the dynamic transcriptional programs that are a hallmark of immune cell activation. The importance of these molecules is underscored by their newly recognized roles in inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss the contribution of lncRNAs in the development and activation of immune cells and their roles in immune-related diseases. We also discuss challenges faced in identifying biological functions for this large and complex class of genes

Long noncoding RNAs in autoimmune diseases

“…Increasing data suggest that lncRNAs are important regulators of diverse biological processes and that their dysregulation is closely linked to the pathogenesis of human diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and membranous nephropathy . lncRNAs also have an important impact on both innate and acquired immunity . However, their specific biological mechanisms remain largely unknown.…”

“…Innate immune responses, which constitute the body's nonspecific first line of defense against bacterial pathogens, mainly involve macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), and natural killer (NK) cells. Innate immune cells express specific lncRNAs when the body is invaded by pathogens, and lncRNAs may thus play critical roles in regulating host–pathogen interactions and the innate immune response …”

Long non‐coding RNA AFAP1‐AS1 is upregulated in a subset of multiple sclerosis patients

“…These transcripts mostly regulate the expression of other genes. 8 Another area of research in the pathogenesis of MS involves the weakened function of the bloodbrain barrier (BBB). 7 Furthermore, they participate in the regulation of expansion of various immune cells and directing the active transcriptional processes that govern immune cell activation.…”

Association of Long Noncoding RNAs Polymorphisms With Ankylosing Spondylitis, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease, and Behcet's Disease

“…19,[37][38][39][40][41][42][43] lncRNAs can regulate the development of various immune cells, such as B and T lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs). 44,45 Recent studies showed that several lncRNAs are especially expressed in cells responsible for the innate and adaptive immune response. [44][45][46] Examples include LncRNA-CD244, lincRNA-Cox2, THRIL, TH2-LCR, and lnc-DC, which have been shown to be expressed in T cells, macrophages, and DCs.…”

“…44,45 Recent studies showed that several lncRNAs are especially expressed in cells responsible for the innate and adaptive immune response. [44][45][46] Examples include LncRNA-CD244, lincRNA-Cox2, THRIL, TH2-LCR, and lnc-DC, which have been shown to be expressed in T cells, macrophages, and DCs. 45 These lncRNAs regulate the transcription of immune-response genes and the production of related cytokines, such as IFN-c, TNF-a, IL-13, IL-5, IL-4, and IL-12, which have all been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of uveitis entities.…”