Abstract
In past ten years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have gained scientific attention
due to their importance in the pathophysiology of allergic diseases and
their potential as biomarkers in liquid biopsies. They act as master
post-transcriptional regulators that control most cellular processes. As
one miRNA can target several mRNAs, often within the same pathway,
dysregulated expression of miRNAs may alter particular cellular
responses and contribute or lead to the development of various diseases.
In this review, we give an overview of the current research on miRNAs in
allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and
asthma. Specifically, we discuss how individual miRNAs function in the
regulation of immune responses in epithelial cells and specialized
immune cells in response to different environmental factors and
respiratory viruses. In addition, we review insights obtained from
experiments with murine models of allergic airway and skin inflammation
and offer an overview of studies focusing on miRNA discovery using
profiling techniques and bioinformatic modelling of the network effect
of multiple miRNAs. In conclusion, we highlight the importance of
research into miRNA function in allergy and asthma to improve our
knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of
this heterogeneous group of diseases.