Comment in:
The pathogenic potential of endogenous retroviruses: facts and fantasies.
Löwer R.
Paul Ehrlich Institut, Paul Ehrlich Str. 51-59, D-63225 Langen, Germany. loero@pei.de
Endogenous retroviruses are descendants of viruses that became cellular genes by integration into their host's genome. They still contribute to pathogenicity as a partner in recombination events, by de novo insertion after mobilization followed by activation of downstream proto-oncogenes, or by gene disruption. Re-expression of viral proteins accompanied by loss of immune tolerance could induce immune disturbances.
Publication Types:
PMID: 10470042 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]