MicroRNA Interactions in SARS-CoV-2 Pathogenesis
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that fine-tune gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection, host miRNAs can bind viral RNA to inhibit replication or, conversely, be subverted to facilitate viral propagation. Dysregulation of specific miRNAs has been linked to aberrant immune activation, cytokine release and multiorgan injury, including respiratory distress, cardiac involvement and neurological sequelae. Emerging evidence highlights a two-way interplay in which SARS-CoV-2 alters host miRNA profiles to evade antiviral defences, while host cells mount miRNA-mediated antiviral responses. These dynamics underpin disease severity, long-term complications and viral persistence. Beyond elucidating mechanisms of viral invasion and immune modulation, profiling miRNA signatures offers non-invasive biomarkers for early stratification, prognosis and monitoring of therapeutic response. Moreover, miRNA mimics and inhibitors are being explored as novel antiviral or immunomodulatory agents, signalling a new frontier in RNA-based therapeutics with broad implications for current and future coronavirus outbreaks.
Research from Nature Portfolio
Recent multi-omics investigations in vaccinated cohorts have revealed that prior immunisation attenuates the typical surge of pro-inflammatory miRNAs observed at the onset of breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection. Integrated small RNA and mRNA sequencing demonstrated a global reduction in miRNA expression correlating with diminished inflammatory gene signatures and stabilisation of leukocyte populations. These findings indicate that effective vaccines not only prime adaptive immunity but also modulate host miRNA landscapes to suppress excessive inflammation, offering mechanistic insights into vaccine-mediated protection and informing the design of next-generation immunogens.
MicroRNA Interactions in SARS-CoV-2 Pathogenesis publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna interactions in sars-cov-2 pathogenesis across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
MicroRNA (miRNA): Short non-coding RNA molecule that regulates gene expression by binding complementary messenger RNA sequences.
Non-coding RNA (ncRNA): RNA species not translated into protein, encompassing miRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, with regulatory functions.
Transcriptome: The complete set of RNA transcripts produced by the genome in a specific cell or tissue at a given time.
Biomarker: Measurable indicator of a biological state or condition, used for diagnosis, prognosis or monitoring of disease.
Cytokine: Small secreted protein that mediates and regulates immunity, inflammation and haematopoiesis.
Pathogenesis: The biological mechanisms that lead to the development and progression of a disease.
References
- Non-coding RNAs expression in SARS-CoV-2 infection: Pathogenesis, clinical significance and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (2023).
- Multi-omics analysis reveals COVID-19 vaccine induced attenuation of inflammatory responses during breakthrough disease. Nature Communications (2024).
- Altered microRNA expression in COVID-19 patients enables identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection. PLOS Pathogens (2021).
- Computational analysis of microRNA-mediated interactions in SARS-CoV-2 infection. PeerJ (2020).
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