The role of noncoding RNAs in host-Cryptosporidium interactions.

Increasing evidence suggests that regulatory noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) modulate a series of epithelial responses following Cryptosporidium invasion. During infection, ncRNAs are involved in the activation of intracellular signaling pathways, the production of antimicrobial molecules, the expression of cytokines/chemokines, the release of epithelial cell-derived exosomes, and the feedback regulation of immune homeostasis. In addition, Cryptosporidium may have developed strategies to modulate host ncRNA-mediated cellular function for immune evasion. These findings indicate that ncRNAs may be important determinants of the infection resistance conferred by the host and the long-term latency established by the parasite. Here, we summarize recent progress on the role of ncRNAs in the regulation of host-Cryptosporidium interactions, relevant to the development of ncRNA-based drug therapeutics for cryptosporidiosis in the future.