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06:59
Isolation and Profiling of MicroRNA-containing Exosomes from Human Bile
Published on: June 13, 2016
Exosome-derived miRNAs and cellular miRNAs activate innate immunity
Anne Mobergslien1, Mouldy Sioud
1Institute for Cancer Research, Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
Journal of Innate Immunity
|June 19, 2013
Summary
Small RNAs in exosomes can enter cells and change gene expression. Cancer cell-derived exosomes and microRNAs (miRNAs) can trigger innate immunity by inducing cytokine expression in immune cells.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Circulating exosome-derived small RNAs are known to be internalized by recipient cells, mediating gene expression changes via RNA interference.
- Exosomes are extracellular vesicles involved in intercellular communication, carrying various biomolecules including microRNAs (miRNAs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether exosomes and exosomal/cellular miRNAs from cancer cells can modulate the immune response.
- To explore a potential new pathway for miRNA-mediated immune activation.
Main Methods:
- Purification of exosomes from various cancer cell lines.
- Isolation of exosomal and cellular miRNAs.
- Incubation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with purified exosomes and miRNAs.
- Measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in PBMCs.
Main Results:
- Exosomes purified from cancer cell lines induced pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in human PBMCs.
- Gel-purified exosomal and cellular miRNAs also stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
- This suggests a novel mechanism of immune activation by circulating miRNAs.
Conclusions:
- Circulating miRNAs, particularly those within exosomes, can activate innate immunity.
- This activation may occur through pathogen recognition receptors, representing a newly identified miRNA-activated pathway.
- This pathway warrants further investigation for its role in immunity and disease.
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