Human Herpesviruses (HHVs) are a group of large DNA viruses that can establish lifelong infections in their hosts. They achieve this by switching between two phases: the lytic phase, where the virus actively replicates, and the latent phase, where the virus remains dormant but can reactivate later. A key factor in this process is microRNAs (miRNAs)—small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. In human cells, miRNAs play a crucial role in controlling various biological processes, and their disruption has been linked to diseases like cancer. Interestingly, herpesviruses have evolved ways to manipulate the host’s miRNA system to their advantage. By interfering with these regulatory pathways, the virus can evade immune detection, prevent cell death (apoptosis), and promote either viral persistence or active replication, depending on what benefits its survival. This review explores the role of viral microRNAs (v-miRNAs) in human herpesvirus infections, focusing on how they influence the virus’s lifecycle and contribute to disease. HHVs are unique in that because many of them encode their own v-miRNAs, which help them hijack the host’s cellular machinery. A key aspect of this interaction is how these viral miRNAs suppress immune responses, affecting both innate and adaptive immunity. Additionally, research has shown that herpesviruses can package their miRNAs into exosomes-tiny vesicles that can transfer viral messages between cells, altering the function of recipient cells and promoting infection. This paper specifically examines the functions of HHV-derived v-miRNAs in host-virus interactions, with a focus on how they help the virus persist in the body. Among the eight known human herpesviruses, v-miRNAs have been identified in Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 (HSV-1 & HSV-2), Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Human Herpesvirus-6B (HHV-6B), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV). Understanding how these viral miRNAs function could provide deeper insights into herpesvirus pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies.
Cite this paper
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