MiR-146a Controls Immune Response in the Melanoma Microenvironment.

ABSTRACT: MicroRNAs (miR) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression, posttranscription, and manipulate immune responses in different types of cancers. In this study, we identify miR-146a as a negative regulator of immune activation, comparable to immune-checkpoint molecules. miR-146a levels were increased in melanoma microenvironmental tissue, and miR-146a^-/- mice survived longer and developed less metastases in comparison with wild-type melanoma-bearing mice. T cells isolated from miR-146a^-/- mice revealed higher expression levels of the miR-146a target gene Stat1 and the Stat1-regulated cytokine IFNγ. Neutralization of IFNγ in miR-146a^-/- mice decreased survival and increased melanoma metastasis patterns to those of wild-type mice.

SUBMITTER: Mastroianni J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6330089 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature