tRNA-derived fragments: biomarkers and therapeutic targets in autoimmune diseases

TRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) are tiny non-coding RNAs that control gene expression and immunological responses. Initially, the tRFs were thought to be only a byproduct of Transfer RNA (tRNA) degradation. Recent studies highlighted their role in autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes (T1D), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), sjögren's syndrome (SS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The tRFs can influence the gene expression that are potentially involved in autoimmune diseases. The tRFs can alter immune cell function and influence the pathways that lead to autoimmune diseases. This review examines how tRFs impact immune system regulation, such as interactions with messenger RNAs (mRNA), inhibition of apoptosis, and immune cell development. Dysregulation of this leads to the progression or severity of autoimmune diseases. In addition, the potential of tRFs as biomarkers for autoimmune diseases and their targets of novel therapeutic interventions. However, this area is still in its infancy and needs more research to understand the role of a wide range of tRFs in autoimmune diseases.