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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small conserved non-coding RNA molecules that post-transcriptionally
regulate gene expression by targeting the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of specific
messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for degradation or translational repression. miRNA-mediated
gene regulation is critical for normal cellular functions such as the cell cycle,
differentiation, and apoptosis, and as much as one-third of human mRNAs may be miRNA
targets. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that miRNAs play a vital role in the regulation
of immunological functions and the prevention of autoimmunity. Here we review the
many newly discovered roles of miRNA regulation in immune functions and in the development
of autoimmunity and autoimmune disease. Specifically, we discuss the involvement of
miRNA regulation in innate and adaptive immune responses, immune cell development,
T regulatory cell stability and function, and differential miRNA expression in rheumatoid
arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.