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Updated: Sep 11, 2025

In Silico Identification and Characterization of circRNAs During Host-Pathogen Interactions
Published on: October 21, 2022
The immunomodulatory roles of endogenous circular RNAs: Biogenesis, function, and therapeutic exploitation
Lan Zhang1, Ao Zhang1, Hengxiang Yu1
1Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Medicine Innovation Center for Fundamental Research on Major Immunology-related Diseases, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
Abstract:
Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a unique class of noncoding RNAs characterized by the covalently closed circular structures, play multifaceted physiological roles through diverse molecular mechanisms, including acting as microRNA (miRNA) sponges/reservoirs, transcriptional regulators, protein scaffolds/recruiters, and templates for functional peptide translation. In this review, we delve into the spatiotemporal expression dynamics of circRNAs across infectious pathology (viral, bacterial, and fungal), dysregulated immune disorders, and tumor immunology, highlighting their potential roles as critical immunomodulators in maintaining immune homeostasis. Furthermore, we discuss innovative strategies to leverage circRNAs for clinical applications, including their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and engineered therapeutics to restore immune equilibrium in infectious, immune-related and oncological diseases.
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