The Role of miRNAs in Chicken Immune Regulation and Prospects for Disease‐Resistant Breeding

ABSTRACT MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as pivotal regulators of the immune system, playing a decisive role in shaping disease resistance in chicken. By precisely modulating the expression of key immune genes, miRNAs coordinate both innate and adaptive immune responses—suppressing viral replication, regulating cytokine production, as well as guiding immune cell differentiation and activation. This review highlights how miRNAs regulate immune responses and avian virus replication, with a focus on chickens, and discusses their potential as candidates for advancing disease‐resistant molecular breeding. We emphasize genome engineering strategies such as CRISPR/Cas‐based miRNA editing and germline modification via primordial germ cells (PGCs) to achieve heritable disease‐resistant traits. Additionally, we discuss how the integration of sequencing, AI‐assisted design, synthetic biology, and advanced gene editing tools can accelerate the development of safe and effective miRNA‐based disease‐resistant breeding strategies. Collectively, these insights highlight the promise of miRNA‐based approaches as innovative tools for advancing disease‐resistant breeding in poultry, although realizing this potential will require sustained effort and rigorous validation.