Non-Coding RNAs and Graft versus Host Disease

Pro-inflammatory pathways that become activated during graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are regulated in part by microRNAs (miRs) which are small endogenous non-coding RNAs that post transcriptionally regulate gene expression and thereby impact inflammatory events at multiple levels. The post-transcriptional regulation by miRs affects multiple cell-biological events required for alloreactivity including cytokine and chemokine expression, expression of their respective receptors, cell cycle progression and migratory activity. While multiple inflammation-related miR-target genes have been described, there is increasing evidence that the same miR can have different effects by preferentially targeting certain genes, depending on the cell type. Besides their functional role in GVHD, miR-levels in different body fluids could also function as biomarkers and help to predict or diagnose GVHD, thereby guiding clinical decision-making.

In this Research Topic, we aim to review the functions of miRs as potent regulators of multiple pro- or anti-inflammatory target genes in various immune cell subsets and their impact on GVHD. We welcome the submission of Mini-Reviews that cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:

1. miRs in acute and chronic GVHD
2. miRs in T cells in the context of GVHD
3. miRs in Treg in aGVHD
4. miRs in DCs and innate immune cells related to GVHD
5. miRs as biomarkers of GVHD