H9N2 avian influenza virus enhances the immune responses of BMDCs by down-regulating miR29c

Vaccine. 2017 Feb 1;35(5):729-737. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.12.054. Epub 2017 Jan 4.

Abstract

Avian influenza virus (AIV) of the subtypes H9 and N2 is well recognised and caused outbreaks-due to its high genetic variability and high rate of recombination with other influenza virus subtypes. The pathogenicity of H9N2 AIV depends on the host immune response. Dendritic cells (DCs) are major antigen presenting cells that can significantly inhibit H9N2 AIV replication. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) influence the ability of DCs to present antigens, as well as the ability of AIVs to infect host cells and replicate. Here, we studied the molecular mechanism underlying the miRNA-mediated regulation of immune function of mouse DCs. We first screened for and verified the induction of miRNAs in DCs after H9N2 AIVstimulation. We also constructed miR29c, miR339 and miR222 over-expression vector and showed that only the induction of miR29c lead to a hugely increased expression of surface marker MHCII and CD40. Whilst the inhibition of miR29c, miR339 and miR222 in mouse DCs would repressed the expression of DCs surface markers. Moreover, we found that miR29c stimulation not only up-regulate MHCII and CD40, but also enhance the ability of DCs to activate lymphocytes and secrete cytokines IL-6 or TNF-a. Furthermore, we found that Tarbp1 and Rfx7 were targeted and repressed by miR29c. Finally, we revealed that the inhibition of miR29c marvelously accelerated virus replication. Together, our data shed new light on the roles and mechanisms of miR29c in regulating DC function and suggest new strategies for combating AIVs.

Keywords: Dendritic cells; H9N2 AIV; Immune regulation; Target gene; miR29c.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen Presentation
  • Bone Marrow Cells / immunology
  • Bone Marrow Cells / virology
  • CD40 Antigens / genetics
  • CD40 Antigens / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / virology
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / genetics
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / immunology
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions*
  • Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype / genetics*
  • Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype / immunology
  • Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype / pathogenicity
  • Interleukin-6 / genetics
  • Interleukin-6 / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Lymphocytes / virology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • MicroRNAs / agonists
  • MicroRNAs / antagonists & inhibitors
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • MicroRNAs / immunology
  • Oligoribonucleotides, Antisense / genetics
  • Oligoribonucleotides, Antisense / metabolism
  • Primary Cell Culture
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Proteins / immunology
  • Regulatory Factor X Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Regulatory Factor X Transcription Factors / immunology
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / immunology*
  • Virulence
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • CD40 Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Interleukin-6
  • MIRN29 microRNA, mouse
  • MicroRNAs
  • Oligoribonucleotides, Antisense
  • RNA-Binding Proteins
  • Regulatory Factor X Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • interleukin-6, mouse
  • trans-activation responsive RNA-binding protein