Deregulated micro RNA s in CD 4 + T cells from individuals with latent tuberculosis versus active tuberculosis

The mechanisms of latent tuberculosis ( TB ) infection remain elusive. Roles of micro RNA (mi RNA ) have been highlighted in pathogen–host interactions recently. To identify mi RNA s involved in the immune response to TB , expression profiles of mi RNA s in CD 4 + T cells from patients with latent TB , active TB and healthy controls were investigated by microarray assay and validated by RT‐ qPCR . Gene ontology ( GO ) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes ( KEGG ) pathway analysis were used to analyse the significant functions and involvement in signalling pathways of the differentially expressed mi RNA s. To identify potential target genes for miR‐29, interferon‐γ ( IFN ‐γ) m RNA expression was measured by RT ‐q PCR . Our results showed that 27 mi RNA s were deregulated among the three groups. RT ‐q PCR results were generally consistent with the microarray data. We observed an inverse correlation between miR‐29 level and IFN ‐γ m RNA expression in CD 4 + T cells. GO and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the possible target genes of deregulated mi RNA s were significantly enriched in mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling pathway, focal adhesion and extracellular matrix receptor interaction, which might be involved in the transition from latent to active TB . In all, for the first time, our study revealed that some mi RNA s in CD 4 + T cells were altered in latent and active TB . Function and pathway analysis highlighted the possible involvement of mi RNA ‐deregulated m RNA s in TB . The study might help to improve understanding of the relationship between mi RNA s in CD 4 + T cells and TB , and laid an important foundation for further identification of the underlying mechanisms of latent TB infection and its reactivation.