Title:Viral MicroRNAs in Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Pathobiology
Volume: 30
Issue: 9
Author(s): Raza Ali Naqvi, Araceli Valverde, Tejabhiram Yadavalli, Fatima Ismail Bobat, Kristelle J. Capistrano, Deepak Shukla*Afsar R. Naqvi*
Affiliation:
- Department of
Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical Center, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
- Department of
Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
- Department of
Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA
Keywords:
Simplexvirus humanalpha1, microRNAs, immune response, viral persistence, diagnostics markers, antiviral therapeutics.
Abstract: Simplexvirus humanalpha1 (Herpes simplex virus type 1 [HSV-1]) infects millions of people globally,
manifesting as vesiculo-ulcerative lesions of the oral or genital mucosa. After primary infection, the virus
establishes latency in the peripheral neurons and reactivates sporadically in response to various environmental
and genetic factors. A unique feature of herpesviruses is their ability to encode tiny noncoding RNAs called
microRNA (miRNAs). Simplexvirus humanalpha1 encodes eighteen miRNA precursors that generate twentyseven
different mature miRNA sequences. Unique Simplexvirus humanalpha1 miRNAs repertoire is expressed
in lytic and latent stages and exhibits expressional disparity in various cell types and model systems, suggesting
their key pathological functions. This review will focus on elucidating the mechanisms underlying the regulation
of host-virus interaction by HSV-1 encoded viral miRNAs. Numerous studies have demonstrated sequence-
specific targeting of both viral and host transcripts by Simplexvirus humanalpha1 miRNAs. While these
noncoding RNAs predominantly target viral genes involved in viral life cycle switch, they regulate host
genes involved in antiviral immunity, thereby facilitating viral evasion and lifelong viral persistence inside the
host. Expression of Simplexvirus humanalpha1 miRNAs has been associated with disease progression and resolution.
Systemic circulation and stability of viral miRNAs compared to viral mRNAs can be harnessed to utilize
their potential as diagnostic and prognostic markers. Moreover, functional inhibition of these enigmatic
molecules may allow us to devise strategies that have therapeutic significance to contain Simplexvirus humanalpha1
infection.
