MicroRNAs and Malaria - A Dynamic Interaction Still Incompletely Understood

Abstract

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by parasitic protozoa of the genus Plasmodium. It remains a major problem affecting humans today, especially children. However, the pathogenesis of malaria, especially severe malaria, remains incompletely understood, hindering our ability to treat this disease. Of recent interest is the role that small, non-coding RNAs play in the progression, pathogenesis of, and resistance to, malaria. Independent studies have now revealed the presence of microRNA (miRNA) in the malaria parasite, vector, and host, though these studies are relatively few. Here, we review these studies, focusing on the roles specific miRNA have in the disease, and how they may be harnessed for therapeutic purposes.

Keywords: Immunopathology; Inflammation; Malaria; Protective immunity; microRNA.

Figure 1

Dynamic interactions between the parasite, vector, and host in malarial infections. Cross-species interactions and regulation affects the transmission and pathogenesis of, and/or resistance to malaria infections. (A) Human miRNA (e.g. miR-19b, −223, and −451) [2] and (C) mosquito miRNA (e.g. miR-34, −989, −1174, and −1175)26 affect malaria parasite biology and survival. (B) Parasite miRNA (e.g. miR-124, −305, and −309)31 regulate metabolic pathways in Anopheles mosquitoes. (D) Host miRNA (e.g. let-7i, miR-27a, −150,51 −1274a42) regulate host gene expression.