MiR-155 contribute to airway inflammation in COPD by regulating autophagy via targeting TLR4/NF-ΚB

To evaluate the expression of miR-155 and autophagy in COPD and the related mechanism. Alveolar macrophages were extracted from COPD patients. COPD dynamic mouse model was established. Mouse alveolar macrophages were also isolated and cultured. Rat alveolar macrophage cell line NR8383 was introduced. The expression of TLR4 and NF-κB in NR8383 cells with CSE treatment was also evaluated. miR-155 was upregulated in alveolar macrophages from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of COPD patients, COPD dynamic mouse model and CSE treated NR8383 cell line (p < 0.05). Overexpression of miR‐155 led to dysregulation of cell autophagy and was closely. miR‐155 promoted cell autophagy by directly targeting TLR4/NF-κB pathway in NR8383 cell line. Our study revealed a novel inflammatory role of miR-155 in COPD and the related mechanisms. We provide a new perspective to understand the pathogenesis of COPD, and miR-155 might be useful as potential target for the treatment of COPD.

Keywords:
autophagy; miR-155; airway inflammation; COPD