MicroRNA-125b-5p suppresses Brucella abortus intracellular survival via control of A20 expression.

BACKGROUND

Brucella may establish chronic infection by regulating the expression of miRNAs. However, the role of miRNAs in modulating the intracellular growth of Brucella remains unclear.

RESULTS

In this study, we show that Brucella. abortus infection leads to downregulation of miR-125b-5p in macrophages. We establish that miR-125b-5p targets A20, an inhibitor of the NF-kB activation. Additionally, expression of miR-125b-5p decreases A20 expression in B. abortus-infected macrophages and leads to NF-kB activation and increased production of TNFα. Furthermore, B. abortus survival is attenuated in the presence of miR-125b-5p.

CONCLUSIONS

These results uncover a role for miR-125b-5p in the regulation of B. abortus intracellular survival via the control of A20 expression.