Role of microRNA-155 in autoimmunity

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as a major class of gene expression regulators linked to most biological functions. MiR-155 is encoded within a region known as B cell integration cluster (Bic) gene, identified originally as a frequent integration site for the avian leukosis virus. Disregulation of endogenous miR-155 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of human cancers. Recently, aberrant expression of miR-155 was observed in many autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Moreover, functional analysis demonstrated that miR-155 has powerful regulatory potential in a wide variety of immune cells through targeting specific mRNAs. Since pathogenic immune cells play a pivotal role in pathogenesis of human autoimmune diseases, miR-155 might be a versatile therapeutic target. This review will discuss the current understandings for the role of miR-155 in autoimmunity.

► MiR-155 has powerful regulatory potential in a wide variety of immune cells through targeting specific mRNAs. ► Aberrant expression of miR-155 has been observed in many human autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. ► MiR-155 deficiency can prevent development of autoimmunity in animal models. ► Expression level of miR-155 could be effectively regulated by targeting specific signaling molecules. ► Since disregulated expression of miR-155 is associated with increased risk of cancer, an appropriate level of miR-155 may be important for maintaining normal immune responses.