Figure 1.

MiRNAs affect the pathogenesis of asthma by regulating immune cells, bronchial epithelial cells and ASMCs. Genetic and environmental factors (e.g., pollen, dust mites, cat hair, cockroaches and other allergens) cause the interaction of airway inflammatory cells (Th2 cells, eosinophils, mast cells, neutrophils, and macrophages), cytokines (e.g., IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) and inflammatory mediators, ultimately leading to increased airway eosinophilia, mucus overproduction, airway remodeling, airway wall vasodilation, plasma exudation and airway epithelial cell exfoliation and fibrosis. Different miRNAs have different effects on the above processes. The yellow boxes in the picture show typical miRNAs that function in asthma, which correspond to the cells they act on through red arrows. MiRNAs, microRNAs; ASMCs, airway smooth muscle cells