Antagonizing Viral MicroRNAs Reduces Ocular HSV-1 Pathogenesis and Enhances Mucosal Immune Homeostasis.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is a globally prevalent pathogen that causes recurrent lesions at mucosal and cutaneous sites, including the cornea, leading to herpetic keratitis, a major cause of infectious blindness. While HSV-1-encoded microRNAs (v-miRs) are known to regulate viral latency and immune evasion, their role in acute mucosal infection remains unclear. This study investigates the function of v-miRs during acute HSV-1 infection of the cornea.

Methods

Using a murine model of corneal HSV-1 infection, we performed RNA sequencing and in situ hybridization to identify v-miRs enriched in the cornea during acute infection. Topical locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified inhibitors targeting individual v-miRs (miR-H1-5p, miR-H3-3p, miR-H6-3p, and miR-H27) were adminis

SUBMITTER: Patil CD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12422390 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature