MicroRNA-146a Alleviates Experimental Autoimmune Anterior Uveitis in the Eyes of Lewis Rats

Figure 7

Proposed mechanisms of miR-146a in alleviating experimental autoimmune anterior uveitis (EAAU). Possible explanations of the effects of miR-146a are illustrated. (1) Blockage of the toll-like receptor–NF-κB pathway, which reduces downstream secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. (2) Blockage of the TCR–NF-κB pathway, which decreases T cell activation. (3) Enhancement of regulatory T cells and inhibition of Th1 axis through STAT1/4. (4) Augmentation of Th17 with dampening of Th1 lineage. TLR = toll-like receptor; TCR = T cell receptor; IRAK = interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase; TRAF = tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor; IKK = IκB kinase; STAT = signal transducers and activators of transcription.