Premium
Micro RNA regulation of T‐cell differentiation and function
Author(s) -
Jeker Lukas T.,
Bluestone Jeffrey A.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
immunological reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.839
H-Index - 223
eISSN - 1600-065X
pISSN - 0105-2896
DOI - 10.1111/imr.12061
Subject(s) - microrna , biology , function (biology) , immune system , regulation of gene expression , cellular differentiation , computational biology , gene expression , cell function , microbiology and biotechnology , rna , gene , cell , genetics
Summary Micro RNA s (mi RNA s) are emerging as key controllers of T‐cell differentiation and function. Their expression is dynamically regulated by extracellular signals such as costimulation and cytokine signals. mi RNA s set thresholds for gene expression and optimize protein concentrations of genetic networks. Absence of individual mi RNA s can lead to severe immune dysfunction. In this study, we review emerging principles and provide examples of important functions exerted by mi RNA s. Although our understanding of mi RNA function in T‐cell differentiation is still rudimentary, the available evidence leaves no doubt that these small post‐transcriptional regulators are indispensable for proper functioning of the immune system.