microRNAs: Critical Players during Helminth Infections

microRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally through their interaction with the 3 ' untranslated regions (3 ' UTR) of target mRNAs, affecting their stability and/or translation. Therefore, miRNAs regulate biological processes such as signal transduction, cell death, autophagy, metabolism, development, cellular proliferation, and differentiation. Dysregulated expression of microRNAs is associated with infectious diseases, where miRNAs modulate important aspects of the parasite-host interaction. Helminths are parasitic worms that cause various neglected tropical diseases affecting millions worldwide. These parasites have sophisticated mechanisms that give them a surprising immunomodulatory capacity favoring parasite persistence and establishment of infection. In this review, we analyze miRNAs in infections caused by helminths, emphasizing their role in immune regulation and its implication in diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of therapeutic strategies.

Automated summary

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through interaction with target mRNA's 3' untranslated regions (3' UTR), impacting stability and translation. They play a role in biological processes such as signal transduction, cell death, metabolism, and development. Dysregulated miRNA expression is associated with infectious diseases, particularly those caused by helminths, where miRNAs modulate the parasite-host interaction. This comprehensive review analyzes the role of miRNAs in helminth infections, focusing on immune regulation and its implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic strategies.