ImmiR: A database of microRNAs associated with immune checkpoints and infiltrates

Abstract Background Emerging evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating immune checkpoint (IC) genes, thereby modulating IC-related pathways and the behavior of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), thus showing significant potential as a treatment modality in combination therapies with IC inhibitors. Although previous studies primarily focused on single cancer types or individual miRNAs, there is a lack of comprehensive research exploring the complex interactions between miRNAs, IC pathways, and TILs in multiple cancer types. Methods To address this gap, we developed a database called ImmiR that systematically integrates curated data from scientific literature and bioinformatics analyses and defines IC pathways and their ligands/receptors. Using integrated bioinformatics approaches, ImmiR investigated the interactions between miRNAs and IC genes, as well as the associations between miRNAs and TILs. Results ImmiR identified miRNAs targeting genes across 32 immune checkpoint pathways and found associations with 84 immune cell types. As a user-friendly web-based platform, ImmiR provides functional visualizations that facilitate the identification of significant associations from various perspectives such as miRNAs, IC genes/pathways, and cancer types. The database is freely accessible at https://immir.bioinfomics.org/ . Conclusions By filling gaps in data resources, ImmiR serves as a vital tool for discovering novel therapeutic targets, refining miRNA-based immunotherapies, and advancing precision medicine in cancer immunotherapy.