Human endogenous retroviruses: Transposable elements with potential?

P. N. Nelson, P. Hooley, D. Roden, H. Davari Ejtehadi, P. Rylance, P. Warren, J. Martin, P. G. Murray

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are a significant component of a wider family of retroelements that constitute part of the human genome. These viruses, perhaps representative of previous exogenous retroviral infection, have been integrated and passed through successive generations within the germ line. The retention of HERVs and isolated elements, such as long-terminal repeats, could have the potential to harm. In this review we describe HERVs within the context of the family of known transposable elements and survey these viruses in terms of superantigens and molecular mimics. It is entirely possible that these mechanisms provide the potential for undesired immune responses.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-9
Number of pages9
JournalClinical and Experimental Immunology
Volume138
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Autoimmunity
  • Human endogenous retroviruses
  • Molecular mimicry
  • Superantigens
  • Transposable elements

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