The pathogenic potential of endogenous retroviruses: facts and fantasies.
Endogenous retroviruses are descendants of viruses that became cellular genes by integration into their host's genome. They still contribute to pathogenicity as a partner in recombination events, by de novo insertion after mobilization followed by activation of downstream proto-oncogenes, or by gene disruption. Re-expression of viral proteins accompanied by loss of immune tolerance could induce immune disturbances.
Löwer
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Paul Ehrlich Institut, Paul Ehrlich Str. 51-59, D-63225 Langen, Germany. loero@pei.de
D000818:Animals; D020077:Endogenous Retroviruses / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D017353:Gene Deletion; D006801:Humans; D016254:Mutagenesis, Insertional; D051381:Rats; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D012192:Retroviridae Infections / Q000821:virology*; D014774:Virulence