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Involvement of host microRNAs in flavivirus-induced neuropathology: An update
Atreye Majumdar1, Anirban Basu
1National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurugram 122 052, India.
Abstract:
Flaviviruses are a spectrum of vector-borne RNA viruses that cause potentially severe diseases in humans including encephalitis, acute-flaccid paralysis, cognitive disorders and foetal abnormalities. Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Zika virus (ZIKV), West Nile virus (WNV) and Dengue virus (DENV) are globally emerging pathogens that lead to epidemics and outbreaks with continued transmission to newer geographical areas over time. In the past decade, studies have focussed on understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of these viruses in a bid to alleviate their disease burden. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short single-stranded RNAs that have emerged as master-regulators of cellular gene expression. The dynamics of miRNAs within a cell have the capacity to modulate hundreds of genes and, consequently, their physiological manifestation. Increasing evidence suggests their role in host response to disease and infection including cell survival, intracellular viral replication and immune activation. In this review, we aim to comprehensively update published evidence on the role of miRNAs in host cells infected with the common neurotropic flaviviruses, with an increased focus on neuropathogenic mechanisms. In addition, we briefly cover therapeutic advancements made in the context of miRNA-based antiviral strategies.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in host responses to neurotropic flaviviruses like Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and Zika virus (ZIKV). Understanding miRNA dynamics offers insights into viral pathogenesis and potential antiviral therapies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Flaviviruses, including Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Zika virus (ZIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Dengue virus (DENV), are vector-borne RNA viruses causing severe human diseases.
- These viruses pose significant global health threats, leading to epidemics and expanding geographical spread.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, influencing cellular processes and host responses to infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of the role of miRNAs in host cells infected with neurotropic flaviviruses.
- To focus on the neuropathogenic mechanisms associated with these viral infections.
- To briefly discuss advancements in miRNA-based antiviral therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published evidence on miRNAs and flavivirus infections.
- Analysis of studies focusing on neuropathogenic flaviviruses.
- Synthesis of information on miRNA-host interactions and therapeutic potential.
Main Results:
- miRNAs are implicated in modulating host cell survival, viral replication, and immune activation during flavivirus infections.
- Specific miRNAs influence the neuropathogenic mechanisms of viruses like JEV and ZIKV.
- Evidence suggests miRNAs can be targeted for antiviral therapies.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs are critical players in the host-pathogen interaction during neurotropic flavivirus infections.
- Targeting miRNAs presents a promising avenue for developing novel antiviral strategies against flaviviruses.
- Further research into miRNA regulation is essential for understanding and combating flavivirus-induced diseases.
