Critical role of cellular microRNAs in virus infection: Decades of progress
Yaqi Han, Guoqing Zhang, Xinru Lv, Linzhu Ren
Abstract
MicroRNAs, or miRNAs, play a critical role in the complex interplay between viruses and their host organisms during viral infections. Over the past several decades, investigations into the functions of cellular miRNAs during viral infections have disclosed a complex and multifaceted panorama. These miRNAs can either facilitate or impede viral replication, depending on various factors. This review mainly focuses on several key aspects of cellular miRNAs in this context. Firstly, miRNAs act as regulators of viral infection by directly interacting with the viral genome and modulating the host immune response. Additionally, viruses have evolved anti-RNA interference mechanisms to evade host miRNA-mediated defenses and can even hijack host miRNA pathways for their benefit. The role of miRNAs in viral pathogenicity is also explored, highlighting their impact on virus replication and spread as well as their influence on disease severity and outcome. Moreover, the therapeutic prospects associated with miRNAs in viral infections are discussed, including their potential as biomarkers for viral diseases and the development of miRNA-based therapies. Overall, understanding these aspects of cellular miRNAs provides valuable insights into viral pathogenesis and may open new avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of viral infections.