title: microRNAs at the regulatory frontier: an investigation into how microRNAs impact the development and effector functions of CD4 T cells.
abstract: CD4 T cells are an integral part of adaptive immunity. microRNAs have been identified as fundamental regulators of post-transcriptional programs and to play roles in T lymphocytes' development, differentiation, and effector functions. To better understand the role of miRNAs in T cells and to identify potential therapeutic tools and targets, we have undertaken studies of miRNAs that modulate or are modulated by T-cell receptor signaling. We identified miR-181a as a key regulator of TCR signaling strength, and hence T-cell development, and the miR-17-92 cluster as an important player in CD4 T cells' response against antigens. These discoveries, coupled with work by other researchers, reveal the power and importance of miRNA-mediated regulation in T-cell responses and offer new insights into the burgeoning field of immunoregulation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Erik Allen
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Lykken
authors.forename: Qi-Jing
authors.initials: QJ
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D056704:Adaptive Immunity; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D035683:MicroRNAs; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell