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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.
Allergy
|September 1, 2017
Summary
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.
