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Published on: March 16, 2018
Highlighting the interplay of microRNAs from Leishmania parasites and infected-host cells
Sajad Rashidi1, Reza Mansouri2, Mohammad Ali-Hassanzadeh3
1Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Abstract:
Leishmania parasites, the causative agents of leishmaniasis, are protozoan parasites with the ability to modify the signalling pathway and cell responses of their infected host cells. These parasite strategies alter the host cell environment and conditions favouring their replication, survival and pathogenesis. Since microRNAs (miRNAs) are able to post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression processes, these biomolecules can exert critical roles in controlling Leishmania-host cell interplay. Therefore, the identification of relevant miRNAs differentially expressed in Leishmania parasites as well as in infected cells, which affect the host fitness, could be critical to understand the infection biology, pathogenicity and immune response against these parasites. Accordingly, the current review aims to address the differentially expressed miRNAs in both, the parasite and infected host cells and how these biomolecules change cell signalling and host immune responses during infection. A deep understanding of these processes could provide novel guidelines and therapeutic strategies for managing and treating leishmaniasis.
Insights
This review explores how microRNAs (miRNAs) in Leishmania parasites and host cells regulate infection. Understanding these differentially expressed miRNAs is key to developing new treatments for leishmaniasis.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Leishmania parasites cause leishmaniasis by altering host cell signaling.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression and host-parasite interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review differentially expressed miRNAs in Leishmania parasites and infected host cells.
- To elucidate the role of these miRNAs in host cell signaling and immune response during infection.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for leishmaniasis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on miRNA expression in Leishmania infections.
- Analysis of miRNA-mediated gene regulation in host-parasite interplay.
- Examination of the impact of miRNAs on host cell signaling pathways and immune responses.
Main Results:
- Leishmania parasites and infected host cells exhibit differential miRNA expression.
- These miRNAs significantly modulate host cell signaling, survival, and immune evasion.
- Specific miRNAs are implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of leishmaniasis.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs play a critical role in the Leishmania-host cell interaction.
- Targeting differentially expressed miRNAs offers a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies against leishmaniasis.
- Further research into miRNA functions can enhance our understanding of leishmaniasis biology and immunity.
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