MicroRNAs Regulate the Pathogenesis of CVB3-Induced Viral Myocarditis

Aims: To evaluate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced viral myocarditis. Methods: We detected miRNA expression profiling by microarray utilizing a mouse model on day 4 after CVB3 infection. Then we validated differentially expressed miRNAs using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We predicted target genes using miRNA target prediction databases and assessed them using mRNA microarray and qualitative reverse transcription PCR measurements. By analyzing the target function of differentially expressed miRNAs, we initially explored the regulating role of miRNAs in viral myocarditis. Results: We found five differentially expressed miRNAs that are involved in regulating several important innate immune and antiviral pathways such as the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, MAPK signaling pathway, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Conclusion: miRNAs regulate the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis. This study may provide a new perspective and a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis that may help with the development of novel therapies against CVB3 infection. Copyright (c) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel