The prediction of miR-142, miR-146a and miR-150 role in differentiation of naive CD4+ to Th17 cells in multiple sclerosis

\ud \ud Background and aims: MiRNAs are a class of non-coding RNAs that take part in various cellular processes. Recently dysregulation of these small molecules reported in numerous disorders. Unfortunately prevalence of Multiple sclerosis (MS) as an autoimmune disease is rising nowadays in Iran. Th17 cells are the most important cell in this disease. In this study, we have predicted possible role of 3 miRNAs, miR142, miR-146a and miR-150 which could control Th17 differentiation. So, possibly it influences on MS onset and progress.\ud Methods: Using miRwalk database as an integrative database which utilizes 10 different algorithms to predict miRNA-mRNA interaction, it was investigated probable interaction of miRNAs and genes that participate in Th17 differentiation.\ud Results: Based on this study, 3 distinct miRNAs, miR-142, miR-146a and miR-150, were predicted to have a potential role in induction of Th17 differentiation. Therefore, control of these miRNAs could reduce MS symptoms.\ud Conclusion: Conclusively, miR-142, miR-146a and miR-150 may be up-regulated in Th17 of MS patients, since bioinformatics data have shown that these miRNAs suppress negative regulator genes in Th17 differentiation. Thus, several therapeutic approaches may be considered for these miRNAs besides of their application as the valuable prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers in detection of various stages of MS.\u