MicroRNA-Related Polymorphisms in Infectious Diseases—Tiny Changes With a Huge Impact on Viral Infections and Potential Clinical Applications

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded sequences of non-coding RNA with approximately 22 nucleotides that act posttranscriptionally on gene expression. miRNAs are important gene regulators in physiological contexts, but they also impact the pathogenesis of various diseases. The role of miRNAs in viral infections has been explored by different authors in both population-based as well as in functional studies. However, the effect of miRNA polymorphisms on the susceptibility to viral infections and on the clinical course of these diseases is still an emerging topic. Thus, this review will compile and organize the findings described in studies that evaluated the effects of genetic variations on miRNA genes and on their binding sites, in the context of human viral diseases. In addition to discussing the basic aspects of miRNAs biology, we will cover the studies that investigated miRNA polymorphisms in infections caused by hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, Epstein–Barr virus, and human papillomavirus. Finally, emerging topics concerning the importance of miRNA genetic variants will be presented, focusing on the context of viral infectious diseases.

Bovine leukemia virus pre-miRNA genes’ polymorphism

“…Moreover, the potential disease association between a less stable option of miR-H1 and the development of AIDS-related lymphoma (ARL) has been discovered [33]. The polymorphism of host miRNAs in the context of viral diseases also have been intensively reviewed [34].…”

Polymorphisms in KSHV-encoded microRNA sequences affect levels of mature viral microRNA in Kaposi Sarcoma lesions

“…Since our first report of KSHV microRNA sequence polymorphisms in 2010, the contribution of microRNA variations in the context of gene regulation and viral disease has increasing become more apparent as recently summarized [ 21 ]. Our current sequence analysis has identified new SNPs within the microRNA coding regions, many that are KSHV subtype specific, distinguishing viral strains commonly observed in Africa from Europe/North America.…”

Beyond HIV infection: Neglected and varied impacts of CCR5 and CCR5Δ32 on viral diseases

“…Also, the CCR5 expression is influenced by non-coding genetic elements. The effect of the genetic backround of the host can also be exacerbated or diminished depending on the environmental conditions to which the individual is exposed (Ellwanger et al, 2018c;Kulkarni et al, 2019). Taking together, these factors help to explain why many of the effects exerted by CCR5 on a given disease are specific to a certain population, ethnic group, or individual.…”