Development of human endogenous retrovirus type K- related treatments for human diseases

Lu Dai; Jiaojiao Fan; Zhiqiang Qin

doi:10.1002/jmv.29532

Development of human endogenous retrovirus type K- related treatments for human diseases

J Med Virol. 2024 Mar;96(3):e29532. doi: 10.1002/jmv.29532.

Authors

Lu Dai¹, Jiaojiao Fan¹, Zhiqiang Qin¹

Affiliation

¹ Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.

PMID: 38497450
DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29532

Abstract

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) constitute approximately 8% of the human genome and have long been regarded as silent passengers within our genomes. However, the reactivation of HERVs has been increasingly linked to a range of human diseases, particularly the HERV-K (HML-2) family. Many studies are dedicated to elucidating the potential role of HERV-K in pathogenicity. While the underlying mechanisms require further investigation, targeting HERV-K transactivation emerges as a promising avenue for treating human diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and infectious diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in the development of HERV-K-targeted therapeutic strategies against various human diseases, including antiretroviral drugs, immunotherapy, and vaccines.

Keywords: HERV-K; retrovirus; targeted therapy; treatment.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Endogenous Retroviruses* / genetics
Humans

Grants and funding

R03DE031978/NH/NIH HHS/United States