# Non-coding RNAs in the viral host-pathogen interaction: molecular regulation and therapeutic potential

## TL;DR

Non-coding RNAs regulate viral infections by affecting host immunity and viral replication, offering potential for new treatments and diagnostics.

## Contribution

This review provides an updated overview of the roles and therapeutic potential of non-coding RNAs in viral host-pathogen interactions.

## Key findings

- Non-coding RNAs modulate host immune responses and viral replication in infections like HCV, DENV, and SARS-CoV.
- ncRNAs such as Miravirsen and lncRNA NEAT1 show promise as biomarkers and therapeutic agents for viral diseases.
- Challenges remain in translating ncRNA research into effective clinical treatments for viral infections.

## Abstract

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and circular RNA (circRNA), serve as key regulatory molecules in the context of viral infection. They play dual roles by modulating host immune responses and influencing viral replication, persistence, and disease progression. Numerous ncRNAs have been implicated in infections caused by viruses such as HCV, DENV and SARS-CoV. This review highlights the biogenesis and multifaceted functions of both host-encoded and virus-encoded ncRNAs in shaping host-pathogen interactions. It also examines their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic agents for viral infections. We discuss translational applications such as Miravirsen, a miRNA inhibitor that reached clinical trials for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and diagnostic relevance of lncRNA NEAT1 in SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the end, we have also addressed the current challenges and limitations involved in translating research observations of ncRNAs to clinical outcomes.