MicroRNAs in oral lichen planus and potential miRNA-mRNA pathogenesis with essential cytokines: a review

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Molecular Biology
• Oral Pathology

Background:

• Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a potentially premalignant condition with largely unknown pathogenesis.
• Immune and inflammatory factors, particularly cytokines like interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, are implicated in OLP development.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their role in inflammation and disease, with altered miRNA expression observed in OLP lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current data on miRNA mechanisms regulating key cytokines in OLP.
• To elucidate the role of the microRNA-messenger RNA (miRNA-mRNA) network in OLP pathogenesis.
• To explore the genetic basis of OLP and identify potential therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and data summarization.
• Analysis of miRNA expression profiles in OLP patients.
• Investigation of miRNA-cytokine interactions in inflammation.

Main Results:

• Specific miRNAs (e.g., miRNA-146a, miRNA-155) are upregulated in OLP patients' cells.
• Altered expression of numerous miRNAs is detected in OLP lesions.
• miRNAs are shown to regulate critical cytokines involved in OLP, including IL-10, IL-17, IL-22, IFN-γ, and TNF-α.

Conclusions:

• The miRNA-mRNA network plays a significant role in OLP pathogenesis.
• Understanding miRNA-cytokine interactions provides insights into OLP's genetic basis.
• Targeting miRNAs offers promising therapeutic avenues for OLP.