Long non-coding RNAs in the regulation of the immune response

Highlights

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  Widespread changes in lncRNA expresssion are associated with the immune response.

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  lncRNAs regulate the inflammatory response following activation of innate immunity.

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  lncRNAs regulate T cell differentiation and migration.

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  The action of long non-coding RNAs is mediated via diverse mechanisms.

Abstract

It is increasingly clear that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate a variety biological responses, and that they do so by a diverse range of mechanisms. In the field of immunology, recent publications have shown widespread changes in the expression of lncRNAs during the activation of the innate immune response and T cell development, differentiation, and activation. These lncRNAs control important aspects of immunity such as production of inflammatory mediators, differentiation, and cell migration through regulating protein–protein interactions or via their ability to basepair with RNA and DNA. We review the current understanding of the mechanism of action of these immune-related lncRNAs, discuss their impact on physiological and pathological processes, and highlight important areas of inquiry at the intersection between immunology and lncRNA biology.