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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Altered miR-193a-5p expression in children with cow's milk allergy
V D'Argenio1,2, V Del Monaco1, L Paparo3
1CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ar.l., Naples, Italy.
Background:
Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies in children. Epigenetic mechanisms have been suggested to play a role in CMA pathogenesis. We have shown that DNA methylation of Th1/Th2 cytokine genes and FoxP3 affects CMA disease course. Preliminary evidence suggests that also the miRNome could be implicated in the pathogenesis of allergy. Main study outcome was to comparatively evaluate miRNome in children with CMA and in healthy controls.
Methods:
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from children aged 4-18 months: 10 CMA patients, 9 CMA patients who outgrew CMA, and 11 healthy controls. Small RNA libraries were sequenced using a next-generation sequencing-based approach. Functional assessment of IL-4 expression was also performed.
Results:
Among the miRNAs differently expressed, 2 were upregulated and 14 were downregulated in children with active CMA compared to healthy controls. miR-193a-5p resulted the most downregulated miRNA in children with active CMA compared to healthy controls. The predicted targets of miR-193a-5p resulted upregulated in CMA patients compared to healthy controls. Peripheral blood CD4+ T cells transfected with a miR193a-5 inhibitor showed a significant upregulation of IL-4 mRNA and its protein expression. Children who outgrew CMA showed miRNA-193a-5p level, and its related targets expression, similar to that observed in healthy controls.
Conclusions:
Our results suggest that miR-193a-5p is a post-transcriptional regulator of IL-4 expression and could have a role in IgE-mediated CMA. This miRNA could be a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for this common form of food allergy in childhood.
Insights
Cow's milk allergy (CMA) in children may involve microRNAs (miRNAs). Researchers found miR-193a-5p is downregulated in active CMA and may regulate IL-4, suggesting it as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is a prevalent childhood food allergy.
- Epigenetic factors, including DNA methylation, are implicated in CMA.
- Emerging evidence suggests the miRNome plays a role in allergic disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comparatively evaluate the miRNome in children with CMA and healthy controls.
- To investigate the role of specific microRNAs in the pathogenesis of cow's milk allergy.
- To identify potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for CMA.
Main Methods:
- Small RNA sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from children aged 4-18 months.
- Inclusion of three groups: active CMA patients, children who outgrew CMA, and healthy controls.
- Functional assessment of Interleukin-4 (IL-4) expression.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in miRNA expression were observed between active CMA patients and healthy controls.
- miR-193a-5p was notably downregulated in active CMA and its predicted targets were upregulated.
- Inhibition of miR-193a-5p in CD4+ T cells led to increased IL-4 mRNA and protein expression.
Conclusions:
- miR-193a-5p acts as a post-transcriptional regulator of IL-4, potentially contributing to IgE-mediated CMA.
- This microRNA represents a promising novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for childhood food allergy.
- Restored miR-193a-5p levels in children who outgrew CMA suggest its role in allergy resolution.
