LncRNA NEAT1 Promotes Type 1 Helper T Cell Response in Hashimotos Thyroiditis

Abstract

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) play an important role in the immune response of T helper-1 (Th1) cells. This study evaluated LncRNA NEAT1 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and thyroid tissues of Hashimotos thyroiditis (HT) patients and its correlation with Th1 cell response. Methods: LncRNA nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) expression, T-box factor expressed in T cells (T-bet) mRNA and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) mRNA in PBMCs from HT patients and healthy population were detected by quantitative realtime reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The extraction results of Th1 cells from HT patients and healthy population were measured by flow cytometry. si-NC and si-LncRNA NEAT1 were transfected into CD4 helper T cells (CD4⁺ T) cells to measure the effects of LncRNA NEAT1 on T-bet mRNA and IFN-γ mRNA levels. The levels of necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IFN-γ in HT patients and healthy population were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The levels of thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyrotropin (TSH) in HT patients and the healthy population were also measured. Results: LncRNA NEAT1, T-bet mRNA and IFN-γ mRNA expression were abnormally increased in the PBMCs and thyroid tissue of HT patients compared to healthy population (p < 0.05). Th1 cells number and the expression of Th1 cellrelated transcription factors in HT patients increased abnormally compared to healthy population (p < 0.05), which was enhanced by LncRNA NEAT1, increasing the ability of Th1 cells to secrete inflammatory cytokines and significantly improving TNF-α, IL-2 and IFN-γ levels (p < 0.05). In addition, the TgAb (A), TPOAb (B) and TSH (C) levels in HT patients increased. Conclusions: LncRNA NEAT1 can promote Th1 cell response during HT development.