Regulation of human endogenous retrovirus W protein expression by herpes simplex virus type 1: implications for multiple sclerosis.
The multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus (MSRV), originally identified in cell cultures from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), is closely related to the human endogenous retrovirus family W (HERV-W). Recently, HERV-W gag and env protein expression was demonstrated in MS lesions in situ. Here, the authors show that HERV-W gag and env proteins are induced by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in neuronal and brain endothelial cells in vitro. The transactivation of HERV-W proteins by HSV-1 could enhance their potential oligodendrotoxic and immunopathogenic effects, representing a mechanism by which HSV-1, and possibly also other herpesviruses associated with MS, may be linked to the pathogenesis of this disease.
Ruprecht
Klemens
K
Department of Neurology, Clinical Research Unit for Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology, Würzburg, Germany. klemens.ruprecht@mail.uni-wuerzburg.de
Obojes
Karola
K
Wengel
Verena
V
Gronen
Felix
F
Kim
Kwang Sik
KS
Perron
Hervé
H
Schneider-Schaulies
Jürgen
J
Rieckmann
Peter
P
D020077:Endogenous Retroviruses / Q000235:genetics*; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral; D015683:Gene Products, gag / Q000235:genetics; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000821:virology*; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000235:genetics*
D015683:Gene Products, gag; D014759:Viral Envelope Proteins; D014764:Viral Proteins