Requirement of bic/microRNA-155 for normal immune function

Science. 2007 Apr 27;316(5824):608-11. doi: 10.1126/science.1139253.

Abstract

MicroRNAs are a class of small RNAs that are increasingly being recognized as important regulators of gene expression. Although hundreds of microRNAs are present in the mammalian genome, genetic studies addressing their physiological roles are at an early stage. We have shown that mice deficient for bic/microRNA-155 are immunodeficient and display increased lung airway remodeling. We demonstrate a requirement of bic/microRNA-155 for the function of B and T lymphocytes and dendritic cells. Transcriptome analysis of bic/microRNA-155-deficient CD4+ T cells identified a wide spectrum of microRNA-155-regulated genes, including cytokines, chemokines, and transcription factors. Our work suggests that bic/microRNA-155 plays a key role in the homeostasis and function of the immune system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Gene Targeting
  • Homeostasis
  • Immune System / physiology*
  • Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung Diseases / immunology
  • Lung Diseases / pathology
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Mice
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / physiology*
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-maf / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-maf / physiology
  • Salmonella Infections, Animal / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Th1 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • 3' Untranslated Regions
  • Cytokines
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • MicroRNAs
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-maf