A Gene and microRNAs Expression Profile of CD4 T cells in allergic rhinitis Using Microarray Technology

Introduction:Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory and heterogeneous syndrome of the upper airway.While, the causative pathogenesis of AR has been broadly studied, it still has been remained unknown yet. Imbalance between Th1 and Th2 immune response results in inducing allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig). Beside environmental agent, genetic factors have animportant role affecting progress, severity and treatment of AR. Several candidate genes have been identified but genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with AR in patients still need in-depth study. Methods: Gene expression data (GSE51392) of sixAR patients were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus. After evaluate differentially expressed genes based onExpression Console software (Affymetrix) and FlexArray software (conditions: P < 0.05 andlog2 fold change (FC) > 2.0), pathway and functional enrichment evaluates were accomplished using the online software DAVID (criterion: P <0.05). The protein-protein interaction networks of AR were created based on the online server STRING and visualized through Cytoscape.Results:A total of 206genes and 32 miRNAswere identified. Subsequent, 6 functions and 1 pathway were evaluated by up-regulated genes, while 3 functions were enriched by down-regulated genes.In addition, miRNA-gene regulatory networks were constructed. IL17RB was the hub-gene of interaction networks, andmiR-181b1, miR- 15b, miR-142, miR-194, and miR-26bwere up-regulated. ICOS, IL-5, IL12RG, CD3D, and SNORD57 might participate in progress in AR patients, and SLC6A14 and SLC31A1 might be targeted by miR-181b1, miR- 15b, miR-142, miR-194, and miR-26b. Conclusions:The identified genes and miRNAs might offer a theoretical basis for understanding AR and it’s pathogenesis in patients.

Keywords:

Gene expression , MicroRNA , allergic rhinitis , Microarray Technology