Possible roles of exosomal miRNAs in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus

Abstract

The etiology and pathogenesis of oral lichen planus have not achieved a consensus yet. This study aimed to explore the possible roles of exosomal miRNAs in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus. Bioactive components from exosomes regulate intercellular communications that may be closely related to the occurrence and development of diseases, including oral lichen planus. Further, exosomes are expected to be a biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of oral lichen planus. In this study, new advanced views about the biological characteristics, clinical significance, and involvement of exosomes in oral lichen planus were reviewed.

Keywords: Exosomes; etiology; microRNAs; oral lichen planus; pathogenesis.

Figure 1

Possible relations among pathogen/antigen, exosomes and OLP via circulation: a. Pathogen miRNAs in infected cells are integrated and uptaked by multivesicular bodies, and finally released into the extracellular space as cargoes in exosomes; b. Exosomes with pathogen miRNAs target and march into oral mucosa lamina propria through circulation; c. Exosomes carrying infected messages could promote proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, as well as up-regulate activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to stimulate destruction of the basement membrane and liquefaction degeneration of basal cells.

Figure 2

Possible relations among pathogen/antigen, exosomes and OLP via keratinocytes: a. Pathogens invading into mucosal epithelium stimulate Langerhans cells/dendritic cells to secrete exosomes; b. Exosomes carrying pathogenic RNA enter the lamina propria and secrete MMPs through PI3K/AKT signaling pathways; c. Exosomes carrying pathogenic RNA enter the lamina propria, and stimulate the proliferation of CD4+/CD8+ T cells and the secretion of MMPs; d. MMPs suppress the proliferation of epithelial cells and promote the apoptosis of keratinocytes.