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Potential therapeutic approaches of microRNAs for COVID-19: Challenges and opportunities

Alieh Farshbaf1,2, Nooshin Mohtasham3, Reza Zare3

  • 1Dental Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research
|January 5, 2021
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRs) play a dual role in COVID-19, with viral miRs targeting human genes and host miRs restricting viral replication. Understanding these miRs offers therapeutic opportunities for SARS-CoV-2 infection and related cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents a significant global health challenge due to high pathogenicity and lack of specific treatments.
  • MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and are implicated in various biological processes, including immune response and inflammation.
  • SARS-CoV-2 infection involves complex interactions between viral and host miRs, affecting critical cellular functions and potentially contributing to disease severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the challenges and opportunities of using miRs as a therapeutic approach for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • To explore the role of miRs in saliva droplets during SARS-CoV-2 infection and their association with related cancers.
  • To highlight the potential of salivaomics in evaluating viral biomarkers like miRs for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating the role of miRs in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Analysis of miR-host interactions and their impact on viral pathogenesis.
  • Examination of therapeutic strategies involving miRs, such as mimic miRs and antagomirs.
  • Overview of salivaomics applications in detecting viral components and biomarkers.

Main Results:

  • SARS-CoV-2 encoded-miRs can modulate human gene expression involved in immune response, inflammation, and apoptosis.
  • Host miRs play a crucial role in controlling viral gene expression and limiting infection.
  • Dysregulation of miRs can lead to adverse outcomes, including impaired immune responses and potential oncogenesis.
  • Mimic miRs and antagomirs have shown promise in preclinical and clinical trials for mitigating the effects of viral miRs.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNAs represent a promising avenue for therapeutic interventions against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Further research into the precise roles of individual miRs is essential for developing targeted therapies.
  • Salivaomics offers a non-invasive approach for detecting SARS-CoV-2 and related biomarkers, potentially aiding in early diagnosis and management of infection and associated cancers.
Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2Saliva biomarkerTherapeutic approachmicroRNA

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