Herpesviruses and MicroRNAs: New Pathogenesis Factors in Oral Infection and Disease?

Area of Science:

• Oral immunology
• Virology
• Molecular biology

Background:

• The oral cavity harbors numerous microorganisms, necessitating robust immune responses to maintain mucosal health.
• Human Herpesviruses (HHV) are frequently found in oral inflammatory diseases, but the specific viral factors involved are unclear.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression implicated in various oral conditions and infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of host and viral microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of oral inflammatory diseases associated with Human Herpesviruses (HHV).
• To elucidate how miRNAs modulate host-pathogen interactions during oral herpesvirus infections.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on studies investigating microRNA expression and function in oral inflammatory diseases and Human Herpesvirus infections.
• Analysis of recent laboratory findings on viral miRNAs (v-miRs) in diseased oral tissues.

Main Results:

• Dysregulation of host miRNA expression is observed during herpesvirus infections, highlighting their critical role in host-pathogen interactions.
• Human Herpesviruses encode their own miRNAs (viral miRNAs or v-miRs) that can influence both viral replication and host pathways.
• Our laboratory identified v-miRs in diseased oral tissues, demonstrating their immunomodulatory functions.

Conclusions:

• Both host and viral miRNAs play significant roles in the interplay between Human Herpesviruses and the host, contributing to oral inflammatory disease pathogenesis.
• Understanding these miRNA-mediated interactions is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies for oral inflammatory diseases.