MicroRNA-146a-5p Negatively Regulates Inflammation via the Dectin-1/Syk/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Aspergillus fumigatus Keratitis

This study investigated the role of microRNA-146a-5p (miR-146a-5p) in the pathogenesis of fungal keratitis (FK). In a murine model of Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) infection, miR-146a-5p was significantly upregulated. Functionally, overexpression of miR-146a-5p attenuated clinical severity and neutrophil infiltration, whereas inhibition of miR-146a-5p exacerbated corneal damage. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that miR-146a-5p downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and suppressed the Dectin-1/Syk/NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings indicate that miR-146a-5p modulates the inflammatory responses in FK, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target to mitigate infection-induced corneal damage.