MicroRNA as a potential biomarker for systemic lupus erythematosus: pathogenesis and targeted therapy

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with hyperactive innate and adaptive immune systems that cause dermatological, cardiovascular, renal, and neuropsychiatric problems in patients. SLE's multifactorial nature and complex pathogenesis present significant challenges in its clinical classification. In addition, unpredictable treatment responses in patients emphasize the need for highly specific and sensitive SLE biomarkers that can assist in understanding the exact pathogenesis and, thereby, lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Recent studies on microRNA (miRNA), a non-coding region involved in the regulation of gene expression, indicate its importance in the development of the immune system and thus in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune disorders such as SLE. miRNAs are fascinating biomarker prospects for SLE categorization and disease monitoring owing to their small size and high stability. In this paper, we have discussed the involvement of a wide range of miRNAs in the regulation of SLE inflammation and how their modulation can be a potential therapeutic approach.

Keywords: Adaptive immunity; Autoimmunity; B cells; Innate immunity; T cells; Therapeutics.