MicroRNAs in Lupus Nephritis–Role in Disease Pathogenesis and Clinical Applications

MicroRNAs (miRs) are non-coding small RNAs that act as epigenetic modulators to regulate the protein levels of target mRNAs without modifying the genetic sequences. The role of miRs in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN) is increasingly recognized and highly complex. Altered levels of different miRs are observed in the blood, urine and kidney tissues of murine LN models and LN patients. Accumulating evidence suggests that these miRs can modulate immune cells and various key inflammatory pathways, and their perturbations contribute to the aberrant immune response in LN. The dysregulation of miRs in different resident renal cells and urinary exosomes can also lead to abnormal renal cell proliferation, inflammation and kidney fibrosis in LN. While miRs may hold promise in various clinical applications in LN patients, there are still many potential limitations and safety concerns for their use. Further studies are worthwhile to examine the clinical utility of miRs in the diagnosis, disease activity monitoring, prognostication and treatment of LN.