Bellinzona, February 15, 2022 – The proliferation and effector function of T lymphocytes of the immune system must be carefully regulated. These cells are indeed crucial sentinels that protect the body from invading pathogens, but their powerful responses must be limited in magnitude and duration to avoid damage to healthy tissues. A network of molecular mechanisms ensures that T cell responses are productive and at the same time restricted to reduce the risks of excessive inflammation. In this study, using an integrated approach involving quantitative analysis, unbiased genomics and genome editing, the group of Silvia Monticelli identified a microRNA-regulated network involved in restraining proliferative responses of circulating resting human T lymphocytes. MicroRNAs are small regulatory molecules that modulate all aspects of cell biology and have key functions within immune responses. This study, published in PLoS Biology, adds another piece to the puzzle of the regulation of T cell functions in humans.
Article
Chirichella*, M., N. Bianchi*, E. Dzafo*, E. Foli, F. Gualdrini, A. Kenyon, G. Natoli and S. Monticelli
PLoS Biol. 2022; 20:e3001538.
*Joint first authors
