Transactivation of Human Endogenous Retroviruses by Viruses

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections that are part the human genome and are normally silenced through epigenetic mechanisms. However, HERVs can be induced by various host and environmental factors, including viral infection, and transcriptionally active...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Erin F. Evans, Ananya Saraph, Maria Tokuyama
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-10-01
Series:Viruses
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/16/11/1649
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Summary:Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections that are part the human genome and are normally silenced through epigenetic mechanisms. However, HERVs can be induced by various host and environmental factors, including viral infection, and transcriptionally active HERVs have been implicated in various physiological processes. In this review, we summarize mounting evidence of transactivation of HERVs by a wide range of DNA and RNA viruses. Though a mechanistic understanding of this phenomenon and the biological implications are still largely missing, the link between exogenous and endogenous viruses is intriguing. Considering the increasing recognition of the role of viral infections in disease, understanding these interactions provides novel insights into human health.
ISSN:1999-4915