Long non-coding RNAs in innate and adaptive immunity

Virus Res. 2016 Jan 2:212:146-60. doi: 10.1016/j.virusres.2015.07.003. Epub 2015 Jul 9.

Abstract

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a newly discovered class of regulatory molecules that impact a variety of biological processes in cells and organ systems. In humans, it is estimated that there may be more than twice as many lncRNA genes than protein-coding genes. However, only a handful of lncRNAs have been analyzed in detail. In this review, we describe expression and functions of lncRNAs that have been demonstrated to impact innate and adaptive immunity. These emerging paradigms illustrate remarkably diverse mechanisms that lncRNAs utilize to impact the transcriptional programs of immune cells required to fight against pathogens and maintain normal health and homeostasis.

Keywords: Epigenetics; Immune system; Long non-coding RNA; Transcriptional regulation; Whole genome RNA-sequencing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptive Immunity*
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate*
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / immunology*
  • Virus Diseases / genetics
  • Virus Diseases / immunology*
  • Virus Diseases / virology
  • Viruses / genetics
  • Viruses / immunology*

Substances

  • RNA, Long Noncoding