The critical role of miRNA in bacterial zoonosis

Si Chen1, Zhixin Lei1, Taolei Sun1

  • 1School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Hubei Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine for Neurodegenerative Disease, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan 430070, China.

PubMed

Insights

Plant-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) show potential as novel therapeutics against bacterial zoonoses by regulating host immune responses. This review explores their role in modulating inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy for disease management.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Bacterial zoonoses pose significant threats to public health and global economies.
  • Current diagnostics and therapeutics for bacterial infections are limited.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in host-pathogen interactions, influencing gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of mammalian miRNAs in regulating immune defense mechanisms against bacterial infections.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of exogenous plant-derived miRNAs in managing bacterial diseases.
  • To detail the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and its regulation by miRNAs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on bacterial infections, host-pathogen interactions, and miRNA functions.
  • Analysis of immune defense mechanisms including inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy.
  • Examination of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in mammalian cells.
  • Summary of plant-derived exosomal miRNAs and their transboundary regulatory effects.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial infections disrupt host miRNA expression, affecting immune responses.
  • Mammalian miRNAs regulate key cellular processes like inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy.
  • The cGAS-STING pathway is a target for miRNA-mediated immune regulation.
  • Plant-derived exogenous miRNAs demonstrate functional stability in mammals and therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

  • Exogenous plant miRNAs offer a promising avenue for novel antibacterial therapies.
  • Understanding miRNA-mediated regulation of host immunity is crucial for combating bacterial zoonoses.
  • Plant-derived miRNAs can modulate mammalian mRNA and influence bacterial disease progression.

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