MicroRNAs: Regulators of the host antifungal immune response

Abstract

Fungi pose a severe threat to human health worldwide, especially to patients with weakened immune systems. Perioperative patients are at a high risk of fungal infection and death because of the immunosuppression caused by the surgery, as well as the use of surgical instruments. Perioperative patients in ICU are at greater risk of fungal infection. Fungal infections are often difficult to identify, and the treatment is particularly challenging. A well-functioning host immune and an appropriate level of inflammation is essential for controlling fungal infections. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in regulating host immune function, primarily through participating in the post-transcriptional regulation of target genes. After fungal infection, miRNAs are differentially expressed in various tissues, cells, and extracellular vesicles, promoting or inhibiting antifungal effects through different mechanisms to modulate the host immune response. In addition, differentially expressed miRNAs could serve as potential biological markers for the diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections. In this review, we discuss the role and significance of miRNAs in fungal infections.