Role of endogenous retroviruses in autoimmune diseases.
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) correspond to the integrated proviral form of infectious retroviruses that are trapped within the genome by mutations. Endogenous retroviruses represent a key molecular link between the host genome and infectious viral particles. Proteins encoded by ERVs are recognized by antiviral immune responses and become targets of autoreactivity. Activation of ERVs, such as human ERV-K or a human T-cell lymphotropic virus-related endogenous sequence, may also mediate pathogenicity of Epstein-Barr virus. Endogenous retrovirus peptides can directly regulate immune responses. Thus, molecular mimicry and immunomodulation by ERVs may account for self-reactivity and abnormal T- and B-cell functions in autoimmune disorders.
Perl
Andras
A
Departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA. perla@upstate.edu
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology*; D002645:Chickens; D020077:Endogenous Retroviruses / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology*; D051379:Mice; D023421:Models, Animal