MicroRNAs in immunity

The discovery of microRNAs, a class of small non-coding RNAs that suppress expression of their target genes, has uncovered a new level of post-transcriptional regulation in immune gene expression. It was originally proposed that microRNAs play a crucial role in the resolution of the acute inflammatory response. Our previous work provided significant support to this paradigm by revealing the first example of a microRNA (miR-132) that is induced upon viral infection of human primary cells and suppresses the antiviral response. Following hypothesis-driven functional genomics approaches, we continue our studies on the role of microRNAs and other non-coding RNAs in the regulation of inducible gene expression. This project will focus on the regulatory networks that are formed by microRNAs and RNA-binding proteins at the early stages following challenge of primary human cells with pathogenic viruses. A range of molecular and cellular biology techniques, supported by in silico approaches will be used to highlight and probe new levels of complexity during induction of the antiviral response.