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Intrinsic T-cell regulator miR-142-3p/5p – a novel therapeutic target?

Cellular & Molecular Immunology volume 18, pages 508–509 (2021)Cite this article

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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against various self-antigens. Systemic inflammation affects the skin, joints, central nervous system and, in particular, kidneys through so-called lupus nephritis (LN).1 The exact pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus remains unclear. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that B-cells, a source of autoantibodies and effector T-cells, contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE by secreting cytokines. T-cell/B-cell interaction via their costimulation is crucial for an orchestrated immune response. This interaction is modulated by IL-21-producing T-follicular helper (Tfh) cells, which are located mainly in germinal centers. Tfh cells are required to help B-cells secrete high-affinity IgG antibodies.2

The delicate balance between regulatory and effector cells is important for immune tolerance. Specialized cell subsets, such as regulatory T-cells (Tregs), defined as CD4+CD25highCD127dimFoxP3+ T-cells, and the more recently discovered regulatory B-cells (Bregs), can regulate the T-cell and B-cell immune response and hyperactivity. Bregs are widely defined as CD19+CD24highCD38highIL-10+ B-cells, but a unique phenotype is lacking. In addition to immunoregulation by cell–cell interactions and the ligation of costimulatory molecules, microRNAs (miRNAs) with immunomodulatory properties were described in a remarkable finding. miRNAs, which are single-stranded RNAs of ~22 nucleotides, are potent negative regulators of gene activity. Previous studies have demonstrated that miRNAs can regulate various immune cells, particularly T-cells. Thus, the role of miRNAs as potential biomarkers in several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and multiple sclerosis, was tested. Interestingly, few studies had investigated the role of miR-142-3p/5p in systemic lupus erythematosus before the present elegant study by Ding et al.3 was published.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany

    Sebastian Dolff

  2. Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands

    Wayel H. Abdulahad

  3. Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany

    Benjamin Wilde

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  1. Sebastian Dolff
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  2. Wayel H. Abdulahad
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  3. Benjamin Wilde
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Correspondence to Sebastian Dolff.

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Dolff, S., Abdulahad, W.H. & Wilde, B. Intrinsic T-cell regulator miR-142-3p/5p – a novel therapeutic target?. Cell Mol Immunol 18, 508–509 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41423-019-0317-y

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