title: Chromosomally integrated HHV-6: impact on virus, cell and organismal biology.
abstract: HHV-6 integrates its genome into telomeres of human chromosomes. Integration can occur in somatic cells or gametes, the latter leading to individuals harboring the HHV-6 genome in every cell. This condition is transmitted to descendants and referred to as inherited chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 (iciHHV-6). Although integration can occur in different chromosomes, it invariably takes place in the telomere region. This integration mechanism represents a way to maintain the virus genome during latency, which is so far unique amongst human herpesviruses. Recent work provides evidence that the integrated HHV-6 genome can be mobilized from the host chromosome, resulting in the onset of disease. Details on required structural determinants, putative integration mechanisms and biological and medical consequences of iciHHV-6 are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Virologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Benedikt B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Kaufer
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious and Immune Diseases, CHU de Quebec, Research Center and Department of Microbiology-Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada. Electronic address: louis.flamand@crchul.ulaval.ca.
authors.forename: Louis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Flamand
mesh_terms: D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D015654:Herpesvirus 6, Human / Q000502:physiology*; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D019349:Roseolovirus Infections / Q000821:virology*; D016615:Telomere / Q000821:virology; D014775:Virus Activation; D016662:Virus Integration; D017735:Virus Latency