Decoding viral and host microRNA signatures in airway-derived biosamples: Insights for biomarker discovery in viral respiratory infections

• Published in: Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy 2024-08, Vol.177, p.116984, Article 116984
• Main Authors: Molinero, Marta, Perez-Pons, Manel, González, Jessica, Barbé, Ferran, de Gonzalo-Calvo, David
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomarkers; COVID-19; MicroRNA; Respiratory disease; Viral microRNA; Virus
• ISSN: 0753-3322; 1950-6007; 1950-6007
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116984

The global public health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the global concern regarding viral respiratory tract infections. Despite their considerable impact on health, society and the economy, effective management of these conditions remains a significant challenge. Integrating high-throughput analyses is pivotal for early detection, prognostication of adverse outcomes, elucidating pathogenetic pathways and developing therapeutic approaches. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs), a subset of small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), have emerged as promising tools for molecular phenotyping. Current evidence suggests that miRNAs could serve as innovative biological markers, aiding in informed medical decision-making. The cost-effective quantification of miRNAs in standardized samples using techniques routinely employed in clinical laboratories has become feasible. In this context, samples obtained from the airways represent a valuable source of information due to their direct exposure to the infectious agent and host response within the respiratory tract. This review explores viral and host miRNA profiling in airway-derived biosamples as a source of molecular information to guide patient management, with a specific emphasis on SARS-CoV-2 infection. [Display omitted] •Airway samples provide insights into viral respiratory infections.•Host and viral miRNAs are informative of pathogenetic mechanisms.•Host and viral miRNAs serve as valuable tools for biomarker discovery.