Differential miRNA signatures in Hepatitis E Virus Infection: Insights into acute, chronic, and pregnancy-related outcomes

Abstract

Purpose: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a positive single-stranded RNA virus that causes acute and chronic hepatitis with severe complications in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals. HEV infection manifest asymptomatically or progress to fulminant hepatitis, liver failure, and extrahepatic manifestations such as neurological disorders and renal damage. MicroRNAs are non-coding RNA molecules that play a key role in diseases and viral pathogenesis, influencing viral replication and immune evasion through their interaction with host factors. In this review, we discuss the role of microRNAs described to date in hepatitis E infection, highlighting their impact on acute, chronic, and pregnancy-related clinical outcomes. Results: miR-122, miR-214, miR-221, and miR-222 participate in the HEV replication and immune evasion, while specific miRNA profiles distinguish acute and chronic hepatitis E. HEV poses severe risks in pregnancy, with miR-431, miR-654, and miR-1468 related to self-limiting infection, and miR-450b to acute liver failure. Studying these miRNAs lead to biomarkers and therapies for hepatitis E.