The immunomodulatory roles of endogenous circular RNAs: Biogenesis, function, and therapeutic exploitation.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a unique class of noncoding RNAs characterized by the covalently closed circular structures, play multifaceted physiological roles through diverse molecular mechanisms, including acting as microRNA (miRNA) sponges/reservoirs, transcriptional regulators, protein scaffolds/recruiters, and templates for functional peptide translation. In this review, we delve into the spatiotemporal expression dynamics of circRNAs across infectious pathology (viral, bacterial, and fungal), dysregulated immune disorders, and tumor immunology, highlighting their potential roles as critical immunomodulators in maintaining immune homeostasis. Furthermore, we discuss innovative strategies to leverage circRNAs for clinical applications, including their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and engineered therapeutics to restore immune equilibrium in infectious, immune-related and oncological diseases.

Interferon-stimulated circHOMER1 attenuates antiviral innate immunity.

Unlabelled: In an initial screening of virus-induced differentially expressed circRNAs, circHOMER1 was significantly upregulated. However, its role in antiviral innate immunity remained unclear. circHOMER1 was upregulated in response to a range of stimuli, including RNA viruses, DNA viruses, as well as type I IFNs.

Clinical and functional significance of SPATA2 in cancer particularly in LIHC.

Spermatogenesis-associated protein 2 (SPATA2) is primarily named for its important role in spermatogenesis. Its function in tumorigenesis remains elusive. Here, we used various bioinformatic tools to systematically analyze the expression patterns of SPATA2 in cancers, the correlation of SPATA2 expression with clinical parameters, genetic variation, methylation, phosphorylation, immune infiltration and immune therapy.

Deacetylase Sirtuin 1 mitigates type I IFN- and type II IFN-induced signaling and antiviral immunity.

Type I and type II IFNs are important immune modulators in both innate and adaptive immunity. They transmit signaling by activating JAK-STAT pathways. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a class III NAD-dependent deacetylase, has multiple functions in a variety of physiological processes.