MicroRNA-2911 (miR-2911)

MicroRNA-2911 (miR-2911) is a small, non-coding RNA molecule originally derived from plants, especially abundant in honeysuckle. Unlike classical endogenous targets such as receptors or enzymes, miR-2911 is a dietary (exogenous) microRNA that can be absorbed following oral consumption of plant material, enter mammalian circulation, and modulate gene expression in recipient cells[2][4]. It was shown in animal models and human cells to directly inhibit pathogens such as influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2 by base-pairing with viral RNA[2][6][8]. Additionally, miR-2911 can downregulate TGF-β1 and immune checkpoint molecules, revealing anti-tumor and immune-modulating functions[1]. The molecule is unusually stable in the digestive tract, found in a unique host-modified circulating form, and derived from the 26S rRNA of plants via a non-canonical biogenesis pathway[3][4]. miR-2911 is not a conventional drug target such as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter, but rather an effector itself—thus naming a "MicroRNA 2911 pathway" as a target is taxonomically incorrect. The correct classification would be as a regulatory or bioactive molecule, not as a pathway or conventional pharmacological target[3][7]. Key points: - Not a conventional pharmacological target; should not be catalogued as a receptor, pathway, or classic drug target. - More accurately described as a small, dietary, plant-derived RNA with potential therapeutic action. - Has demonstrated effects on viral infections, immune modulation, and cancer in preclinical models. - No approved drugs target miR-2911 directly; rather, it is itself proposed as a potential therapeutic agent.

Other names

MIR2911Honeysuckle-derived microRNA-2911plant MIR2911

mRNA binding and degradation, Translation inhibition, Interference with viral RNA, Suppression of TGF-β1, Inhibition of immune checkpoint pathways (PD-1, PDL-1, CTLA-4)