Mechanisms of miR-18a-5p Target NEDD9-Mediated Suppression of H5N1 Influenza Virus in Mammalian and Avian Hosts

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, exerting post-translational control through mRNA silencing or degradation. These molecules play pivotal roles in host–pathogen interactions, particularly in modulating antiviral immune responses. The global public health threat posed by the H...

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Main Authors: Jipu Wang, Yanan Xing, Lin Chen, Shuyi Han, Ye Wang, Zhilei Zhao, Gaojian Li, Wenchao Li, Hongxuan He
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Veterinary Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/12/3/240
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author Jipu Wang
Yanan Xing
Lin Chen
Shuyi Han
Ye Wang
Zhilei Zhao
Gaojian Li
Wenchao Li
Hongxuan He
author_facet Jipu Wang
Yanan Xing
Lin Chen
Shuyi Han
Ye Wang
Zhilei Zhao
Gaojian Li
Wenchao Li
Hongxuan He
author_sort Jipu Wang
collection DOAJ
description MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, exerting post-translational control through mRNA silencing or degradation. These molecules play pivotal roles in host–pathogen interactions, particularly in modulating antiviral immune responses. The global public health threat posed by the H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus necessitates urgent exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. Our investigation revealed significant dysregulation of miR-18a-5p following influenza virus infection, observed consistently across both in vitro and in vivo models. Experimental evidence demonstrated that miR-18a-5p overexpression effectively inhibits H5N1 virus propagation through multiple mechanisms: (1) in vitro studies using A549 cells transfected with miR-18a-5p mimics showed a substantial reduction in viral replication; (2) animal models (mice and chickens) with elevated miR-18a-5p expression exhibited markedly suppressed AIV replication, reduced pathogenicity, and improved survival rates. The therapeutic potential of miR-18a-5p was particularly evident in its ability to significantly decrease mortality rates in H5N1-infected animals. Furthermore, this miRNA demonstrated robust protective effects against virus-induced lung damage, suggesting its dual role in both preventing and treating H5N1 infections. These findings position miR-18a-5p as a promising candidate for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral interventions, offering a novel strategic approach to combat this serious public health challenge.
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spelling doaj-art-d093bc977bb24111bf8c4ae46afaeb402025-08-20T01:49:53ZengMDPI AGVeterinary Sciences2306-73812025-03-0112324010.3390/vetsci12030240Mechanisms of miR-18a-5p Target NEDD9-Mediated Suppression of H5N1 Influenza Virus in Mammalian and Avian HostsJipu Wang0Yanan Xing1Lin Chen2Shuyi Han3Ye Wang4Zhilei Zhao5Gaojian Li6Wenchao Li7Hongxuan He8Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health, College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, ChinaCAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, ChinaNational Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100101, ChinaCAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, ChinaCAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, ChinaCAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, ChinaCAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, ChinaAnhui Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation and Health, College of Animal Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang 233100, ChinaCAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, ChinaMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, exerting post-translational control through mRNA silencing or degradation. These molecules play pivotal roles in host–pathogen interactions, particularly in modulating antiviral immune responses. The global public health threat posed by the H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus necessitates urgent exploration of novel therapeutic strategies. Our investigation revealed significant dysregulation of miR-18a-5p following influenza virus infection, observed consistently across both in vitro and in vivo models. Experimental evidence demonstrated that miR-18a-5p overexpression effectively inhibits H5N1 virus propagation through multiple mechanisms: (1) in vitro studies using A549 cells transfected with miR-18a-5p mimics showed a substantial reduction in viral replication; (2) animal models (mice and chickens) with elevated miR-18a-5p expression exhibited markedly suppressed AIV replication, reduced pathogenicity, and improved survival rates. The therapeutic potential of miR-18a-5p was particularly evident in its ability to significantly decrease mortality rates in H5N1-infected animals. Furthermore, this miRNA demonstrated robust protective effects against virus-induced lung damage, suggesting its dual role in both preventing and treating H5N1 infections. These findings position miR-18a-5p as a promising candidate for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral interventions, offering a novel strategic approach to combat this serious public health challenge.https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/12/3/240miR-18a-5pH5N1NEDD9mammalpoultry
spellingShingle Jipu Wang
Yanan Xing
Lin Chen
Shuyi Han
Ye Wang
Zhilei Zhao
Gaojian Li
Wenchao Li
Hongxuan He
Mechanisms of miR-18a-5p Target NEDD9-Mediated Suppression of H5N1 Influenza Virus in Mammalian and Avian Hosts
Veterinary Sciences
miR-18a-5p
H5N1
NEDD9
mammal
poultry
title Mechanisms of miR-18a-5p Target NEDD9-Mediated Suppression of H5N1 Influenza Virus in Mammalian and Avian Hosts
title_full Mechanisms of miR-18a-5p Target NEDD9-Mediated Suppression of H5N1 Influenza Virus in Mammalian and Avian Hosts
title_fullStr Mechanisms of miR-18a-5p Target NEDD9-Mediated Suppression of H5N1 Influenza Virus in Mammalian and Avian Hosts
title_full_unstemmed Mechanisms of miR-18a-5p Target NEDD9-Mediated Suppression of H5N1 Influenza Virus in Mammalian and Avian Hosts
title_short Mechanisms of miR-18a-5p Target NEDD9-Mediated Suppression of H5N1 Influenza Virus in Mammalian and Avian Hosts
title_sort mechanisms of mir 18a 5p target nedd9 mediated suppression of h5n1 influenza virus in mammalian and avian hosts
topic miR-18a-5p
H5N1
NEDD9
mammal
poultry
url https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/12/3/240
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