Regulation of miR-199a-3p on Th17 cells differentiation and the effect on severe mycoplasmal pneumonia

Abstract

Objective \nTo investigate the role of miR-199a-3p in children with severe mycoplasmal pneumonia (MP) and to study its effect on Th17 cells. \n \n \nMethods \nSixty children with severe MP (severe group), 50 children with recovery MP (recovery group) and 40 healthy children (control group) were enrolled. Venous blood samples were collected from all subjects, and the expression of miR-199a-3p in the peripheral blood leukocytes was detected by RT-PCR. The levels of IL-17a, IL-13, GM-CSF and IL-6 in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effect of miR-199a-3p on the differentiation of Th17 cells was investigated by inducing differentiation of Th17 cells and transfecting miR-199a-3p mimics or inhibitors in vitro. \n \n \nResults \nCompared with the control group, the expression of miR-199a-3p in peripheral blood leukocytes of children with severe MP was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The levels of IL-17a, IL-13, GM-CSF and IL-6 in serum were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05). High expression of miR-199a-3p inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells in vitro. \n \n \nConclusions \nThe expression of miR-199a-3p is decreased in the pathogenesis of MP. Th17 cells are the target cells of miR-199a-3p, and their differentiation is regulated by miR-199a-3p. The high expression of miR-199a-3p significantly inhibites the differentiation of Th17 cells. \n \n \nKey words: \nMycoplasmal pneumonia;\xa0Children;\xa0MiR-199a-3p;\xa0Th17 cells