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MicroRNAs Derived from Extracellular Vesicles: Keys to Understanding SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Response in Cancer

Beatriz Almeida1,2, Tânia R Dias1,3, Ana Luísa Teixeira1

  • 1Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) & RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.

Cancers
|August 26, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This review explores how extracellular vesicle-derived microRNAs (EV-miRNAs) impact COVID-19 and vaccination responses in cancer patients. EV-miRNAs may serve as biomarkers for predicting vaccine efficacy in immunocompromised individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a global pandemic (COVID-19), highlighting unanswered questions about vaccination in vulnerable groups like cancer patients.
  • Immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients, often experience immune cell depletion, cytokine storms, and impaired antiviral and vaccination responses.
  • Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial for intercellular communication, carrying molecules like microRNAs (miRNAs) that influence cellular responses and COVID-19 pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of EV-derived miRNAs in COVID-19 infection.
  • To explore the potential of EV-derived miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers for vaccination response in cancer patients.
  • To highlight the role of miRNAs in immune dysfunction and viral response.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on extracellular vesicles, microRNAs, COVID-19, and cancer immunology.
  • Analysis of the role of EV-derived miRNAs in SARS-CoV-2 infection and immune response.
  • Evaluation of EV-derived miRNAs as potential biomarkers for vaccine response.

Main Results:

  • EV-derived miRNAs are implicated in the pathophysiology of COVID-19.
  • These miRNAs influence cellular responses and immune dysregulation.
  • EV-derived miRNAs show potential as biomarkers for predicting vaccination outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • EV-derived miRNAs play a significant role in COVID-19 infection and immune responses.
  • Further research into EV-derived miRNAs could lead to novel biomarkers for assessing vaccine efficacy in cancer patients.
  • Understanding EV-miRNA dynamics is crucial for managing COVID-19 in immunocompromised populations.
Keywords:
SARS-CoV-2extracellular vesiclesmicroRNAs

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