Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded small noncoding RNA molecules that are 22 to
25 nucleotides in length. They are implicated in the regulation of the immune response
by modulating differentiation and proliferation of immune cells, production of cytokine
types, and activation of the intracellular signaling pathways through posttranscriptional
mechanisms. Although their actual functions are not yet fully understood, viral miRNAs
are thought to help viruses to replicate and evade host immune response important
in infectiousness. The determinants affecting the infectiousness of human immunodeficiency
virus-1 (HIV-1) and progression to the disease state vary according to several host
and viral factors. Interestingly, mother-to-child transmission rates are as low as
5 to 15%, even when the mother is not receiving antiretroviral therapy. Higher HIV-1
viral loads, and recent maternal infection, are associated with higher transmission
rates. Also, cellular tropism is a well-known phenomenon in HIV-1 pathogenesis. Further,
cellular and viral miRNAs seem to be involved in the pathogenesis and infectiousness
of HIV-1. The aim of this review is to outline the history of the discovery of HIV-1-viral
miRNAs and the evidence for their role in pathogenesis.
Keywords
HIV-1 - viral miRNA - mother-to-child transmission - pathogenesis
