Role of miRNA-191-5p within extracellular vesicles in lung inflammation

<bold>Background:</bold> Extracellular vesicles (EV) are involved in numerous physiologically relevant processes, including lung inflammation. EV contain, among other molecules, miRNA that participate in cell-cell signaling. We have previously shown that EV from different cells stimulate bronchial epithelial cells causing NF-κB activation and the upregulation of proinflammatory mediators synthesis. <bold>Aim:</bold> To investigate the potential role of miR-191-5p within EV in lung inflammation. <bold>Methods:</bold> Cells of bronchial epithelial origin, 16HBE, were transfected with miR-191-5p mimic and inhibitor and stimulated to generate EV. EV were then incubated with wild-type 16HBE to assess NF-κB activation and IL-8 synthesis. Additionally, we analyzed the expression of miR-191-5p in EV isolated from the plasma of COPD patients. <bold>Results:</bold> miR-191-5p-enriched EV activate NF-κB and increase IL-8 synthesis in 16ΗΒΕ (figure 1). Furthermore, miR-191-5p is present in EVs from COPD patients' blood, correlating with inflammatory and functional markers (figure 2). <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA1726/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig> <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA1726/F2</object-id><object-id>F2</object-id><object-id>F2</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig> <bold>Conclusions:</bold> We propose a model wherein miR-191-5p carried by EV exacerbates airway inflammation, potentially contributing to COPD pathogenesis.