RECENT research has identified microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers for predicting COVID-19-related mortality in patients with cancer.
In a study conducted at MD Anderson Cancer Center, plasma samples from 128 patients with cancer and COVID-19 were analysed to assess miRNA levels. A separate cohort of 23 vaccinated healthy individuals provided serum samples for comparison. Researchers employed an in silico positional cloning approach to identify miRNAs located in genomic regions associated with severe COVID-19 risk, termed CORSAIRs (COvid-19 RiSk AssocIated genomic Regions). The miRNA levels were then measured using RT-qPCR.
The study revealed that miRNAs were significantly enriched within these risk-associated genomic regions. Low plasma levels of hsa-miR-150-5p and hsa-miR-93-5p were linked to a higher likelihood of COVID-19-related death in patients with cancer. Additionally, hsa-miR-92b-3p levels correlated with SARS-CoV-2 test positivity.
Further in vitro experiments showed that peripheral blood mononuclear cells increased secretion of these miRNAs upon activation of TLR7/8 and T cell receptors. Notably, serum samples from vaccinated healthy individuals exhibited increased levels of the three miRNAs between 1–9 months post-vaccination, suggesting a link between immune activation and miRNA expression. SARS-CoV-2 infection of human airway epithelial cells also altered the miRNA composition of secreted extracellular vesicles.
These findings suggest that miRNA levels in plasma could serve as predictive biomarkers for COVID-19 severity in patients with cancer. Identifying those at highest risk may help guide early clinical interventions, improving patient outcomes.
Ada Enesco, EMJ
Reference
Anfossi S et al. MicroRNAs are enriched at COVID-19 genomic risk regions, and their blood levels correlate with the COVID-19 prognosis of cancer patients infected by SARS-CoV-2. Mol Cancer. 2024;23(1):235.
