Long Non-Coding RNAs Can Govern the Antiviral Immune Response Through Interferon-Mediated Mechanisms in Respiratory Tract

Many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are able to control interferon-dependent innate immune responses and the susceptibility to influenza infection. These lncRNAs are primarily regulated through the RIG-I/IFN-β/IFNAR1 pathway and can be considered as interferon-stimulated genes with either antiviral or proviral functions. In this review we observe the current knowledge of type I and III interferon signaling regulation and discuss the present data on specific lncRNAs, which are involved in the interferon response. The available data on mechanisms of lncRNA induction and action are summarized. Also, the brief overview of genes coding for lncRNAs involved in interferon expression regulation is presented with a focus on the evolutionary conservation of these regulatory molecules. The lncRNAs belong to various classes: antisense, bidirectional, intronic, or intergenic RNAs. Research of lncRNAs is an extremely promising scientific area. Deeper understanding of lncRNA functions may result in the development of new approaches to influenza infection treatment, as well as advanced understanding of the disease pathogenesis. Further bioinformatic analysis of lncRNAs is required to reveal putative common mechanisms of lncRNA action.