Bidirectional cytokine-microRNA control: A novel immunoregulatory framework in leishmaniasis

PLoS Pathog. 2022 Aug 4;18(8):e1010696. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010696. eCollection 2022 Aug.

Abstract

As effector innate immune cells and as a host to the protozoan parasite Leishmania, macrophages play a dual role in antileishmanial immunoregulation. The 2 key players in this immunoregulation are the macrophage-expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) and the macrophage-secreted cytokines. miRNAs, as small noncoding RNAs, play vital roles in macrophage functions including cytokines and chemokines production. In the reverse direction, Leishmania-regulated cytokines alter miRNAs expression to regulate the antileishmanial functions of macrophages. The miRNA patterns vary with the time and stage of infection. The cytokine-regulated macrophage miRNAs not only help parasite elimination or persistence but also regulate cytokine production from macrophages. Based on these observations, we propose a novel immunoregulatory framework as a scientific rationale for antileishmanial therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiprotozoal Agents* / metabolism
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Leishmania* / metabolism
  • Leishmaniasis* / metabolism
  • Macrophages
  • MicroRNAs* / metabolism
  • Parasites* / metabolism

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Cytokines
  • MicroRNAs

Grants and funding

The authors received no specific funding for this work.