Long non-coding RNAs in immune regulation and their potential as therapeutic targets

•More than 97% of transcripts in the cell are categorized as non-coding RNAs.•Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) outnumber protein coding genes.•lncRNAs are often expressed in a tissue-, cell type-, and disease-specific manner.•lncRNAs play known roles in virtually all major subclasses of immune cells.•lncRNAs are implicated in multiple immunologic disorders. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are potent regulators of immune cell development and function. Their implication in multiple immune-mediated disorders highlights lncRNAs as exciting biomarkers and potential drug targets. Recent technological innovations in oligo-based therapeutics, development of RNA-targeting small molecules, and CRISPR-based approaches, position RNA as the next therapeutic frontier. Here, we review the latest advances made toward understanding the role of lncRNAs in human immunological disorders and further discuss RNA-targeting approaches that could be potentially exploited to manipulate lncRNA function as a clinical intervention.