ABSTRACT
Most molecular studies on the host–parasite interface have focused on the role of parasite factors that are secreted by the invading parasite, as well as by the resident intracellular parasite, in to the host cell. Parasites are known to deploy the most sophisticated mechanisms to reorganize the host cell for their own needs to ensure safe growth and persistence. Emerging evidence has implicated the role of miRNAs in the course and outcome of infectious and non-infectious diseases. MicroRNAs or miRNAs are a fairly recently discovered class of small non-coding RNAs that can alter protein expression at post-transcriptional level. Recent studies have indicated the role of both parasite specific miRNA sequences, and the phenomenon of the alteration of host miRNA levels after parasite infection. Although the detailed information about the regulation of host miRNA levels by the parasites is still lacking. Thus, studies about parasitic manipulation of the host defense responses through miRNAs could broaden our knowledge about the basic aspects of the host–parasite relationship and would also place miRNAs as promising targets for the treatment of parasitic diseases.
