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MicroRNAs: Key Components of Immune Regulation

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Crossroads between Innate and Adaptive Immunity III

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 780))

Abstract

The regulation of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level has revealed important control levels for genes important to the immune system. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that regulate gene expression by inhibiting protein translation or by degrading the mRNA transcript. A single miRNA can potentially regulate the expression of multiple genes and the proteins encoded. MiRNA can influence molecular signaling pathways and regulate many biological processes including immune function. Although the role of miRNAs in development and oncogenesis has been well characterized, their role in the immune system has only begun to emerge. During the past few years, many miRNAs have been found to be important in the development, differentiation, survival, and function of B and T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, macrophages, and other immune cell types. We discuss here recent findings revealing important roles for miRNA in immunity and how miRNAs can regulate innate and adaptive immune responses.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA

    Peter D. Katsikis

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  1. Donald T. Gracias
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Correspondence to Peter D. Katsikis .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Emory Vaccine Center &, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Gatewood Rd. 954, Atlanta, 30329, Georgia, USA

    Bali Pulendran

  2. College of Medicine, Department Microbiology & Immunology, Drexel University, Queen Lane 2900, Philadelphia, 19129, Pennsylvania, USA

    Peter D. Katsikis

  3. , Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immun, Athena Circle 9420, La Jolla, 92037, USA

    Stephen P. Schoenberger

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Gracias, D.T., Katsikis, P.D. (2011). MicroRNAs: Key Components of Immune Regulation. In: Pulendran, B., Katsikis, P., Schoenberger, S. (eds) Crossroads between Innate and Adaptive Immunity III. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 780. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-5632-3_2

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