Are miRNAs critical determinants in herpes simplex virus pathogenesis?

Microbes Infect. 2018 Oct-Nov;20(9-10):461-465. doi: 10.1016/j.micinf.2017.12.007. Epub 2017 Dec 26.

Abstract

miRNAs are small noncoding RNA that play a crucial role in gene regulation by inhibiting translation or promoting mRNA degradation. Viruses themselves express miRNAs that can target either the host or viral mRNA transcriptome. Moreover, viral infection of cells causes a drastic change in host miRNAs. This complex interaction between the host and viruses often favors the virus to evade immune elimination and favors the establishment and maintenance of latency. In this review we discuss the function of both host and viral miRNAs in regulating herpes simplex virus pathogenesis and also discuss the prospect of using miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic tools.

Keywords: Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE); Herpes simplex keratitis (HSK); Herpes simplex virus (HSV); Latency; Therapy; microRNAs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Herpes Simplex / genetics
  • Herpes Simplex / immunology*
  • Herpes Simplex / virology
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human / genetics*
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human / immunology
  • Herpesvirus 1, Human / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Virus Latency
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • MicroRNAs