Switching Sides: How Endogenous Retroviruses Protect Us from Viral Infections

J Virol. 2021 May 24;95(12):e02299-20. doi: 10.1128/JVI.02299-20. Print 2021 May 24.

Abstract

Long disregarded as junk DNA or genomic dark matter, endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) have turned out to represent important components of the antiviral immune response. These remnants of once-infectious retroviruses not only regulate cellular immune activation, but may even directly target invading viral pathogens. In this Gem, we summarize mechanisms by which retroviral fossils protect us from viral infections. One focus will be on recent advances in the role of ERVs as regulators of antiviral gene expression.

Keywords: antiviral immunity; endogenous retroviruses; sensing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endogenous Retroviruses / genetics
  • Endogenous Retroviruses / physiology*
  • Enhancer Elements, Genetic
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA, Double-Stranded / genetics
  • RNA, Double-Stranded / metabolism
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / metabolism
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism
  • Receptors, Pattern Recognition / metabolism
  • Receptors, Virus / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, Virus / metabolism
  • Retroelements*
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism
  • Virion / metabolism
  • Virus Diseases / genetics
  • Virus Diseases / immunology*
  • Virus Diseases / virology

Substances

  • RNA, Double-Stranded
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • RNA, Viral
  • Receptors, Pattern Recognition
  • Receptors, Virus
  • Retroelements
  • Viral Proteins