Long noncoding RNA regulation of immunity

Genes encoding long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are intimately involved in mammalian immunity. Here we review recent knowledge of how lncRNAs regulate immune cell specification and function. Beyond canonical roles in nuclear architecture, chromatin modification and posttranscriptional regulation, lncRNA regulation of metabolic pathways, antigenic extracellular lncRNA ribonucleoprotein complexes and glycosylated noncoding RNAs on the cell surface have emerged as newly recognized regulatory mechanisms. In the immune system, specific lncRNAs control lineage determination during hematopoiesis as well as immune cell activation and function during immune responses, while lncRNA dysregulation is associated with immune-related diseases. In particular, we highlight how a female-specific lncRNA XIST promotes female-biased autoimmunity. Finally, we discuss emerging technologies in high-throughput functional genomics, human genetics, molecular interaction mapping, artificial intelligence and synthetic biology that are accelerating our understanding of lncRNA biology in immunity and beyond.