Viruses and the placenta: the essential virus first view

APMIS. 2016 Jan-Feb;124(1-2):20-30. doi: 10.1111/apm.12485.

Abstract

A virus first perspective is presented as an alternative hypothesis to explain the role of various endogenized retroviruses in the origin of the mammalian placenta. It is argued that virus-host persistence is a key determinant of host survival and the various ERVs involved have directly affected virus-host persistence.

Keywords: Virus evolution; endogenous retroviruses; host evolution; placenta.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endogenous Retroviruses / genetics*
  • Endogenous Retroviruses / physiology*
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Female
  • Gammaretrovirus / genetics*
  • Gammaretrovirus / pathogenicity
  • Gammaretrovirus / physiology
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Placenta / physiology*
  • Placenta / virology*
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • MicroRNAs