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Aspergillus fumigatus induces microRNA-132 in human monocytes and dendritic cells
Mithun Das Gupta1, Mirjam Fliesser1, Jan Springer1
1University Hospital Wuerzburg, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Wuerzburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Aspergillus fumigatus is responsible for severe and often fatal infections in immunocompromised patients. The human immune response against this pathogenic mould is still not fully understood. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been characterized as regulators of inflammation and immune response in various diseases. MiRNAs specifically bind to mRNA target sequences, thereby leading to gene silencing by target degradation and/or translational repression. To investigate the possible role of miRNAs during A. fumigatus infection, we studied the expression of two major immune relevant miRNAs, miR-132 and miR-155, in human monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs). Both cell types are crucial for the immune response against A. fumigatus. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that miR-132 and miR-155 are differentially expressed in monocytes and DCs upon stimulation with A. fumigatus or bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Interestingly, miR-132 was induced by A. fumigatus but not by LPS in both cell types. Our data suggest that miR-132 may be a relevant regulator of the immune response directed against A. fumigatus.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate immune responses. This study shows miR-132 is upregulated by Aspergillus fumigatus in human immune cells, suggesting its role in fighting fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Aspergillus fumigatus causes severe infections in immunocompromised individuals.
- The human immune response to A. fumigatus is not fully understood.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of immune and inflammatory responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of miRNAs in the human immune response to A. fumigatus.
- To examine the expression of miR-132 and miR-155 in monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) during A. fumigatus infection.
Main Methods:
- Studied the expression of miR-132 and miR-155.
- Utilized human monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs).
- Stimulated cells with A. fumigatus and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Main Results:
- miR-132 and miR-155 expression was differentially regulated in monocytes and DCs upon stimulation.
- miR-132 was specifically induced by A. fumigatus in both cell types.
- miR-132 was not induced by LPS stimulation.
Conclusions:
- miR-132 and miR-155 play a role in the immune response to A. fumigatus.
- miR-132 is a potential regulator of the immune response against this fungal pathogen.