MicroRNA-30e-5p has an integrated role in the regulation of the innate immune response during virus infection and systemic lupus erythematosus

Summary Precise regulation of innate immunity is crucial for development of appropriate host immunity against microbial infections and maintenance of immune homeostasis. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA, post-transcriptional regulator of multiple genes and act as a rheostat for protein expression. Here, we identified microRNA-30e-5p induced by hepatitis B virus and other viruses that act as a master regulator for innate immunity. Moreover, pegylated interferons treatment to HBV patients for viral reduction also reduces miRNA. Additionally, we have also shown the immuno-pathological effects of miR-30e in systemic lupus erythematosus patients and mouse model. Mechanistically, miR-30e targets multiple negative regulators of innate immune signaling and enhances immune responses. Furthermore, sequestering of miR-30e in SLE patients and mouse model significantly reduces type-I interferon and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, our study demonstrates the novel role of miR-30e in innate immunity and its prognostic and therapeutic potential in infectious and autoimmune diseases.