Regulatory Non-Coding RNAs during Porcine Viral Infections: Potential Targets for Antiviral Therapy

Abstract

Pigs play important roles in agriculture and bio-medicine; however, porcine viral infections have caused huge losses to the pig industry and severely affected the animal welfare and social public safety. During viral infections, many non-coding RNAs are induced or repressed by viruses and regulate viral infection. Many viruses have, therefore, developed a number of mechanisms that use ncRNAs to evade the host immune system. Understanding how ncRNAs regulate host immunity during porcine viral infections is critical for the development of antiviral therapies. In this review, we provide a summary of the classification, production and function of ncRNAs involved in regulating porcine viral infections. Additionally, we outline pathways and modes of action by which ncRNAs regulate viral infections and highlight the therapeutic potential of artificial microRNA. Our hope is that this information will aid in the development of antiviral therapies based on ncRNAs for the pig industry.