Long non-coding RNAs: A trained immunity perspective

The conventional understanding of immunological memory within adaptive immunity has faced recent challenges, paving the way for a novel concept known as “trained immunity.” This phenomenon revolves around the epigenetic and metabolic reprogramming of cells as its central components. A growing body of evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating immune cell development, function, and response to various diseases. Through intricate protein-protein interactions and interactions with DNA and RNA, lncRNAs significantly contribute to the modulation of immune processes. However, our comprehension of the involvement of lncRNAs in trained immunity is still in its early stages. This review delves into the recent advancements in lncRNA research, focusing on their diverse functions in immune cell development, host-pathogen interactions, potential processes, and their biological significance in trained immunity. Special attention is given to the role of lncRNAs in altering chromatin structure, orchestrating chromosomal looping, and driving metabolic reprogramming within cells.