MicroRNA-125b-5p suppresses Brucella abortus intracellular survival via control of A20 expression

Background: Brucella may establish chronic infection by regulating the expression of miRNAs. However, the role of miRNAs in modulating the intracellular growth of Brucella remains unclear. Results: In this study, we show that Brucella. abortus infection leads to downregulation of miR-125b-5p in macrophages. We establish that miR-125b-5p targets A20, an inhibitor of the NF-kappa B activation. Additionally, expression of miR-125b-5p decreases A20 expression in B. abortus-infected macrophages and leads to NF-kB activation and increased production of TNF alpha. Furthermore, B. abortus survival is attenuated in the presence of miR-125b-5p. Conclusions: These results uncover a role for miR-125b-5p in the regulation of B. abortus intracellular survival via the control of A20 expression.