Long non-coding RNAs and RNA editing in antibacterial host defense in the lung (Sander / Schulte / Bauer)

Intricate regulatory networks have evolved to gradually adjust antimicrobial immune responses relative to the detected infectious threat.

Here we will decipher the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and posttranscriptional RNA-editing in pulmonary innate immune responses. We will

I) dissect the mechanistic implications of selected microbially-induced lncRNAs in pulmonary immunity,

II) identify the molecular basis for the non-redundant function of RNA editing enzymes in alveolar macrophage and dendritic cell differentiation and function, and

III) develop a proof-of-concept interventional approach by targeting major RNA regulators of pulmonary immune responses using novel antisense inhibitors.