UCSF

Allergic diseases are prevalent and clinically heterogeneous, and are the pathologic consequence of inappropriate or exaggerated type 2 immune responses. In this review, we explore the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating allergic inflammation. We discuss how miRNAs, acting through target genes to modulate gene expression networks, impact multiple facets of immune cell function critical for type 2 immune responses including cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and effector functions. Human and mouse studies indicate that miRNAs are significant regulators of allergic immune responses. Finally, investigations of extracellular miRNAs offer promise for noninvasive biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for allergy and asthma.