Emerging Roles of Non-Coding RNAs in Immune Regulation and Disease Pathogenesis

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators of immune responses and play significant roles in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including autoimmune disorders, cancers, and infectious diseases. This review explores the two main classes of ncRNAs: microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). MiRNAs, typically 22 nucleotides in length, modulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by targeting messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for degradation or translational repression. They are essential in immune cell differentiation and activation, with dysregulated expression linked to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. In contrast, lncRNAs, which exceed 200 nucleotides, influence immune responses through diverse mechanisms, including chromatin remodeling and interaction with proteins. They are implicated in both promoting and suppressing inflammation, contributing to autoimmune pathogenesis and cancer progression. Additionally, ncRNAs play a critical role in host-pathogen interactions, with pathogens exploiting ncRNA pathways to evade immune responses. Given their regulatory functions and potential therapeutic implications, ncRNAs represent promising targets for innovative treatments in immune-related diseases. Continued research into ncRNA biology will enhance our understanding of their roles in health and disease, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies and biomarkers in precision medicine. Keywords: Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), MicroRNAs (miRNAs), Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), Autoimmune diseases, Therapeutic targets