miR-132-3p downregulates FOXO1 in CD4+ T cells and is associated with disease manifestations in patients with lupus.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the expression status of miR-132-3p in CD4⁺ T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and explore its potential role in SLE development.

Methods: The study included 60 patients with SLE and 30 healthy controls. miR-132-3p expression in CD4⁺ T cells was detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain. Bioinformatics analyses were employed to predict target genes and explore the potential role of miR-132-3p. The associations between miR-132-3p levels and SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score, as well as laboratory characteristics, were analyzed.

Results: miR-132-3p levels in CD4⁺ T cells were significantly higher in patients with SLE compared with healthy controls. Bioinformatics analysis identified FOXO1 as a potential target gene of miR-132-3p, with a particular emphasis on the FOXO signaling pathway. miR-132-3p up-regulation in CD4⁺ T cells was associated with high SLEDAI score, high anti-double-stranded DNA levels, low C3 and C4 levels, positive anti-ribosomal P, and high 24-hour urinary protein levels in patients with SLE.

Conclusions: miR-132-3p may contribute to CD4⁺ T cell dysregulation during SLE by targeting FOXO1 and could potentially be used to assess disease severity.