summary: It is well known that the protein interleukin 17 (IL-17) plays a major role in MS and has been associated with clinical severity in animal models of MS. In this work, the authors found that the IL-17-related microRNA (a type of RNA with regulatory functions), promotes the production and differentiation (i.e. growth and development) of IL-17-producing T helper lymphocytes. These are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic autoimmune diseases, including MS. The authors also found that higher levels of the microRNA provoked the appearance of a more severe disease in animal models of MS. They concluded that this microRNA may serve as a new and valuable target for future treatments in MS.

authors: Du C, Liu C, Kang J, Zhao G, Ye Z, Huang S, Li Z, Wu Z, Pei G

source: MicroRNA miR-326 regulates T(H)-17 differentiation and is associated with the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis

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category: Genetics
category: Immunology

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