1
|
da Silva AL, Guedes BLM, Santos SN, Correa GF, Nardy A, Nali LHDS, Bachi ALL, Romano CM. Beyond pathogens: the intriguing genetic legacy of endogenous retroviruses in host physiology. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1379962. [PMID: 38655281 PMCID: PMC11035796 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1379962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The notion that viruses played a crucial role in the evolution of life is not a new concept. However, more recent insights suggest that this perception might be even more expansive, highlighting the ongoing impact of viruses on host evolution. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are considered genomic remnants of ancient viral infections acquired throughout vertebrate evolution. Their exogenous counterparts once infected the host's germline cells, eventually leading to the permanent endogenization of their respective proviruses. The success of ERV colonization is evident so that it constitutes 8% of the human genome. Emerging genomic studies indicate that endogenous retroviruses are not merely remnants of past infections but rather play a corollary role, despite not fully understood, in host genetic regulation. This review presents some evidence supporting the crucial role of endogenous retroviruses in regulating host genetics. We explore the involvement of human ERVs (HERVs) in key physiological processes, from their precise and orchestrated activities during cellular differentiation and pluripotency to their contributions to aging and cellular senescence. Additionally, we discuss the costs associated with hosting a substantial amount of preserved viral genetic material.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Lopes da Silva
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Luiz Miranda Guedes
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samuel Nascimento Santos
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Francisco Correa
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ariane Nardy
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Andre Luis Lacerda Bachi
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Malta Romano
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mantovani F, Kitsou K, Magiorkinis G. HERVs: Expression Control Mechanisms and Interactions in Diseases and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:192. [PMID: 38397182 PMCID: PMC10888493 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are the result of retroviral infections acquired millions of years ago; nowadays, they compose around 8% of human DNA. Multiple mechanisms have been employed for endogenous retroviral deactivation, rendering replication and retrotransposition defective, while some of them have been co-opted to serve host evolutionary advantages. A pleiad of mechanisms retains the delicate balance of HERV expression in modern humans. Thus, epigenetic modifications, such as DNA and histone methylation, acetylation, deamination, chromatin remodeling, and even post-transcriptional control are recruited. In this review, we aim to summarize the main HERV silencing pathways, revisit paradigms of human disease with a HERV component, and emphasize the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HERV interactions during HIV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gkikas Magiorkinis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (F.M.); (K.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mantovani F, Kitsou K, Paraskevis D, Lagiou P, Magiorkinis G. The interaction of human immunodeficiency virus-1 and human endogenous retroviruses in patients (primary cell cultures) and cell line models. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0137923. [PMID: 37811936 PMCID: PMC10715072 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01379-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE In this work, we demonstrated that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to the modification of the human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) expression. Differential expression of multiple HERVs was found in peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from HIV-infected patients compared to healthy donors and HIV-infected T cell cultures compared to non-infected. The effect of HIV presence on HERV expression appears to be more restricted in cells of monocytic origin, as only deregulation of HERV-W and HERV-K (HML-6) was found in these cell cultures after their infection with HIV. Multiple factors contribute to this aberrant HERV expression, and its levels appear to be modified in a time-dependent manner. Further studies and the development of optimized in vitro protocols are warranted to elucidate the interactions between HIV and HERVs in detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Mantovani
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantina Kitsou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Pagona Lagiou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gkikas Magiorkinis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kyriakou E, Magiorkinis G. Interplay between endogenous and exogenous human retroviruses. Trends Microbiol 2023; 31:933-946. [PMID: 37019721 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
In humans, retroviruses thrive more as symbionts than as parasites. Apart from the only two modern exogenous human retroviruses (human T-cell lymphotropic and immunodeficiency viruses; HTLV and HIV, respectively), ~8% of the human genome is occupied by ancient retroviral DNA [human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs)]. Here, we review the recent discoveries about the interactions between the two groups, the impact of infection by exogenous retroviruses on the expression of HERVs, the effect of HERVs on the pathogenicity of HIV and HTLV and on the severity of the diseases caused by them, and the antiviral protection that HERVs can allegedly provide to the host. Tracing the crosstalk between contemporary retroviruses and their endogenized ancestors will provide better understanding of the retroviral world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Kyriakou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gkikas Magiorkinis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang D, Gomes MT, Mo Y, Prohaska CC, Zhang L, Chelvanambi S, Clauss MA, Zhang D, Machado RF, Gao M, Bai Y. Human Endogenous Retrovirus, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV Promote PAH via Inflammation and Growth Stimulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7472. [PMID: 37108634 PMCID: PMC10138839 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a pulmonary vascular disease characterized by the progressive elevation of pulmonary arterial pressures. It is becoming increasingly apparent that inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of PAH. Several viruses are known to cause PAH, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), human endogenous retrovirus K(HERV-K), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), in part due to acute and chronic inflammation. In this review, we discuss the connections between HERV-K, HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and PAH, to stimulate research regarding new therapeutic options and provide new targets for the treatment of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desheng Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Marta T. Gomes
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yanfei Mo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Clare C. Prohaska
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Sarvesh Chelvanambi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Matthias A. Clauss
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Dongfang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Roberto F. Machado
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Mingqi Gao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang X, Hefton A, Ni K, Ukadike KC, Bowen MA, Eckert M, Stevens A, Lood C, Mustelin T. Autoantibodies Against Unmodified and Citrullinated Human Endogenous Retrovirus K Envelope Protein in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis. J Rheumatol Suppl 2022; 49:26-35. [PMID: 34334364 PMCID: PMC8963793 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.201492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autoantibodies against proteins encoded by human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) have been reported in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but their relevance, if any, has remained unresolved. We revisited this question and tested if such autoantibodies may react with citrullinated epitopes on the envelope (Env) protein of HERV-K. METHODS Immunoblotting and ELISAs were conducted with unmodified Env protein and with Env citrullinated by protein arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4). Sera from 100 patients with RA, plasma from 32 patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and healthy adult and pediatric controls were included. Antibody reactivity was evaluated for correlations with clinical and laboratory variables of the patients. RESULTS We replicated and expanded upon published data suggesting that patients with RA or JIA have autoantibodies against HERV-K Env, some with high titers. Anti-HERV-K antibodies correlated with cigarette smoking and with circulating myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes indicative of nonapoptotic neutrophil cell death. Further, most of the patients with RA, but not those with JIA, had autoantibodies that reacted more strongly with Env that was citrullinated by PAD4. These anticitrullinated Env autoantibodies correlated with seropositivity and tended to be higher in patients with erosive disease. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that anti-HERV-K immunity is elevated in RA and JIA and may have a connection with pathogenic protein citrullination in RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxing Wang
- X. Wang, PhD, A. Hefton, K. Ni, BS, K.C. Ukadike, MD, Acting Instructor, C. Lood, PhD, Associate Professor, T. Mustelin, MD, PhD, Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Amanda Hefton
- X. Wang, PhD, A. Hefton, K. Ni, BS, K.C. Ukadike, MD, Acting Instructor, C. Lood, PhD, Associate Professor, T. Mustelin, MD, PhD, Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kathryn Ni
- X. Wang, PhD, A. Hefton, K. Ni, BS, K.C. Ukadike, MD, Acting Instructor, C. Lood, PhD, Associate Professor, T. Mustelin, MD, PhD, Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kennedy C. Ukadike
- X. Wang, PhD, A. Hefton, K. Ni, BS, K.C. Ukadike, MD, Acting Instructor, C. Lood, PhD, Associate Professor, T. Mustelin, MD, PhD, Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael A. Bowen
- M.A. Bowen, PhD, Product and Process Development, Allogene Therapeutics, San Francisco, California
| | - Mary Eckert
- M. Eckert, BS, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Anne Stevens
- A. Stevens, MD, Professor, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, and Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Wayne, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christian Lood
- X. Wang, PhD, A. Hefton, K. Ni, BS, K.C. Ukadike, MD, Acting Instructor, C. Lood, PhD, Associate Professor, T. Mustelin, MD, PhD, Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Tomas Mustelin
- X. Wang, PhD, A. Hefton, K. Ni, BS, K.C. Ukadike, MD, Acting Instructor, C. Lood, PhD, Associate Professor, T. Mustelin, MD, PhD, Professor, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kitsou K, Iliopoulou M, Spoulou V, Lagiou P, Magiorkinis G. Viral Causality of Human Cancer and Potential Roles of Human Endogenous Retroviruses in the Multi-Omics Era: An Evolutionary Epidemiology Review. Front Oncol 2021; 11:687631. [PMID: 34778024 PMCID: PMC8586426 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.687631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Being responsible for almost 12% of cancers worldwide, viruses are among the oldest known and most prevalent oncogenic agents. The quality of the evidence for the in vivo tumorigenic potential of microorganisms varies, thus accordingly, viruses were classified in 4 evidence-based categories by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2009. Since then, our understanding of the role of viruses in cancer has significantly improved, firstly due to the emergence of high throughput sequencing technologies that allowed the “brute-force” recovery of unknown viral genomes. At the same time, multi-omics approaches unravelled novel virus-host interactions in stem-cell biology. We now know that viral elements, either exogenous or endogenous, have multiple sometimes conflicting roles in human pathophysiology and the development of cancer. Here we integrate emerging evidence on viral causality in human cancer from basic mechanisms to clinical studies. We analyze viral tumorigenesis under the scope of deep-in-time human-virus evolutionary relationships and critically comment on the evidence through the eyes of clinical epidemiology, firstly by reviewing recognized oncoviruses and their mechanisms of inducing tumorigenesis, and then by examining the potential role of integrated viruses in our genome in the process of carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Kitsou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Immunobiology and Vaccinology Research Laboratory, First Department of Peadiatrics, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Iliopoulou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vana Spoulou
- Immunobiology and Vaccinology Research Laboratory, First Department of Peadiatrics, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Pagona Lagiou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gkikas Magiorkinis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tokuyama M, Gunn BM, Venkataraman A, Kong Y, Kang I, Rakib T, Townsend MJ, Costenbader KH, Alter G, Iwasaki A. Antibodies against human endogenous retrovirus K102 envelope activate neutrophils in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Exp Med 2021; 218:212176. [PMID: 34019642 PMCID: PMC8144942 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20191766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neutrophil activation and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are hallmarks of innate immune activation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here we report that the expression of an endogenous retrovirus (ERV) locus ERV-K102, encoding an envelope protein, was significantly elevated in SLE patient blood and correlated with autoantibody levels and higher interferon status. Induction of ERV-K102 in SLE negatively correlated with the expression of epigenetic silencing factors. Anti-ERV-K102 IgG levels in SLE plasma correlated with higher interferon stimulated gene expression, and further promoted enhanced neutrophil phagocytosis of ERV-K102 envelope protein through immune complex formation. Finally, phagocytosis of ERV-K102 immune complexes resulted in the formation of NETs consisting of DNA, neutrophil elastase, and citrullinated histone H3. Together, we identified an immunostimulatory ERV-K envelope protein that in an immune complex with SLE IgG is capable of activating neutrophils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tokuyama
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Bronwyn M Gunn
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
| | - Arvind Venkataraman
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Yong Kong
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Insoo Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Tasfia Rakib
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | | | | | - Galit Alter
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
| | - Akiko Iwasaki
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gröger V, Emmer A, Staege MS, Cynis H. Endogenous Retroviruses in Nervous System Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010070. [PMID: 33467098 PMCID: PMC7829834 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several nervous system disorders including multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The toxicity of HERV-derived RNAs and proteins for neuronal cells has been demonstrated. The involvement of HERV in the pathogenesis of currently incurable diseases might offer new treatment strategies based on the inhibition of HERV activities by small molecules or therapeutic antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Gröger
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Alexander Emmer
- Department of Neurology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Martin S. Staege
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Correspondence: (M.S.S.); (H.C.); Tel.: +49-345-557-7280 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142835 (H.C.)
| | - Holger Cynis
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
- Correspondence: (M.S.S.); (H.C.); Tel.: +49-345-557-7280 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142835 (H.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mustelin T, Ukadike KC. How Retroviruses and Retrotransposons in Our Genome May Contribute to Autoimmunity in Rheumatological Conditions. Front Immunol 2020; 11:593891. [PMID: 33281822 PMCID: PMC7691656 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.593891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 200 human disorders include various manifestations of autoimmunity. The molecular events that lead to these diseases are still incompletely understood and their causes remain largely unknown. Numerous potential triggers of autoimmunity have been proposed over the years, but very few of them have been conclusively confirmed or firmly refuted. Viruses have topped the lists of suspects for decades, and it seems that many viruses, including those of the Herpesviridae family, indeed can influence disease initiation and/or promote exacerbations by a number of mechanisms that include prolonged anti-viral immunity, immune subverting factors, and mechanisms, and perhaps “molecular mimicry”. However, no specific virus has yet been established as being truly causative. Here, we discuss a different, but perhaps mechanistically related possibility, namely that retrotransposons or retroviruses that infected us in the past and left a lasting copy of themselves in our genome still can provoke an escalating immune response that leads to autoimmune disease. Many of these loci still encode for retroviral proteins that have retained some, or all, of their original functions. Importantly, these endogenous proviruses cannot be eliminated by the immune system the way it can eliminate exogenous viruses. Hence, if not properly controlled, they may drive a frustrated and escalating chronic, or episodic, immune response to the point of a frank autoimmune disorder. Here, we discuss the evidence and the proposed mechanisms, and assess the therapeutic options that emerge from the current understanding of this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Mustelin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kennedy C Ukadike
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gröger V, Wieland L, Naumann M, Meinecke AC, Meinhardt B, Rossner S, Ihling C, Emmer A, Staege MS, Cynis H. Formation of HERV-K and HERV-Fc1 Envelope Family Members is Suppressed on Transcriptional and Translational Level. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21217855. [PMID: 33113941 PMCID: PMC7660216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human genome comprises 8% sequences of retroviral origin, so-called human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs). Most of these proviral sequences are defective, but some possess open reading frames. They can lead to the formation of viral transcripts, when activated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. HERVs are thought to play a pathological role in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Since the consequences of activated proviral sequences in the human body are largely unexplored, selected envelope proteins of human endogenous retroviruses associated with inflammatory diseases, namely HERV-K18, HERV-K113, and HERV-Fc1, were investigated in the present study. A formation of glycosylated envelope proteins was demonstrated in different mammalian cell lines. Nevertheless, protein maturation seemed to be incomplete as no transport to the plasma membrane was observed. Instead, the proteins remained in the ER where they induced the expression of genes involved in unfolded protein response, such as HSPA5 and sXBP1. Furthermore, low expression levels of native envelope proteins were increased by codon optimization. Cell-free expression systems showed that both the transcriptional and translational level is affected. By generating different codon-optimized variants of HERV-K113 envelope, the influence of single rare t-RNA pools in certain cell lines was demonstrated. The mRNA secondary structure also appears to play an important role in the translation of the tested viral envelope proteins. In summary, the formation of certain HERV proteins is basically possible. However, their complete maturation and thus full biologic activity seems to depend on additional factors that might be disease-specific and await elucidation in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Gröger
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.G.); (M.N.); (A.-C.M.)
| | - Lisa Wieland
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany; (L.W.); (B.M.); (A.E.)
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany
| | - Marcel Naumann
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.G.); (M.N.); (A.-C.M.)
| | - Ann-Christin Meinecke
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.G.); (M.N.); (A.-C.M.)
| | - Beate Meinhardt
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany; (L.W.); (B.M.); (A.E.)
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany
| | - Steffen Rossner
- Paul Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, Leipzig University, Liebigstraße 19, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Christian Ihling
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Bioanalytics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Charles Tanford Protein Center, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany;
| | - Alexander Emmer
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany; (L.W.); (B.M.); (A.E.)
| | - Martin S. Staege
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097 Halle, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.S.S.); (H.C.); Tel.: +49-345-5577280 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142835 (H.C.); Fax: +49-345-5577275 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142801 (H.C.)
| | - Holger Cynis
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Weinbergweg 22, 06120 Halle, Germany; (V.G.); (M.N.); (A.-C.M.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.S.); (H.C.); Tel.: +49-345-5577280 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142835 (H.C.); Fax: +49-345-5577275 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142801 (H.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Curty G, Beckerle GA, Iñiguez LP, Furler RL, de Carvalho PS, Marston JL, Champiat S, Heymann JJ, Ormsby CE, Reyes-Terán G, Soares MA, Nixon DF, Bendall ML, Leal FE, de Mulder Rougvie M. Human Endogenous Retrovirus Expression Is Upregulated in the Breast Cancer Microenvironment of HIV Infected Women: A Pilot Study. Front Oncol 2020; 10:553983. [PMID: 33194615 PMCID: PMC7649802 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.553983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In people living with HIV (PLWH), chronic inflammation can lead to cancer initiation and progression, besides driving a dysregulated and diminished immune responsiveness. HIV infection also leads to increased transcription of Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs), which could increase an inflammatory environment and create a tumor growth suppressive environment with high expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In order to determine the impact of HIV infection to HERV expression on the breast cancer microenvironment, we sequenced total RNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast cancer samples of women HIV-negative and HIV-positive for transcriptome and retrotranscriptome analyses. We performed RNA extraction from FFPE samples, library preparation and total RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The RNA-seq analysis shows 185 differentially expressed genes: 181 host genes (178 upregulated and three downregulated) and four upregulated HERV transcripts in HIV-positive samples. We also explored the impact of HERV expression in its neighboring breast cancer development genes (BRCA1, CCND1, NBS1/NBN, RAD50, KRAS, PI3K/PIK3CA) and in long non-coding RNA expression (AC060780.1, also known as RP11-242D8.1). We found a significant positive association of HERV expression with RAD50 and with AC060780.1, which suggest a possible role of HERV in regulating breast cancer genes from PLWH with breast cancer. In addition, we found immune system, extracellular matrix organization and metabolic signaling genes upregulated in HIV-positive breast cancer. In conclusion, our findings provide evidence of transcriptional and retrotranscriptional changes in breast cancer from PLWH compared to non-HIV breast cancer, including dysregulation of HERVs, suggesting an indirect effect of the virus on the breast cancer microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gislaine Curty
- Oncovirology Program, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Greta A Beckerle
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Luis P Iñiguez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Robert L Furler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Jez L Marston
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stephane Champiat
- Drug Development Department (DITEP), Gustave Roussy, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Jonas J Heymann
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christopher E Ormsby
- Center for Research in Infectious Diseases (CIENI), National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Reyes-Terán
- Center for Research in Infectious Diseases (CIENI), National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marcelo A Soares
- Oncovirology Program, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Douglas F Nixon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Matthew L Bendall
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Fabio E Leal
- Oncovirology Program, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Miguel de Mulder Rougvie
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Xue B, Sechi LA, Kelvin DJ. Human Endogenous Retrovirus K (HML-2) in Health and Disease. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1690. [PMID: 32765477 PMCID: PMC7380069 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are derived from exogenous retrovirus infections in the evolution of primates and account for about 8% of the human genome. They were considered as silent passengers within our genomes for a long time, however, reactivation of HERVs has been associated with tumors and autoimmune diseases, especially the HERV-K (HML-2) family, the most recent integration groups with the least number of mutations and the most biologically active to encode functional retroviral proteins and produce retrovirus-like particles. Increasing studies are committed to determining the potential role of HERV-K (HML-2) in pathogenicity. Although there is still no evidence for HERV-K (HML-2) as a direct cause of diseases, aberrant expression profiles of the HERV-K (HML-2) transcripts and their regulatory function to their proximal host-genes were identified in different diseases. In this review, we summarized the advances between HERV-K (HML-2) and diseases to provide basis for further studies on the causal relationship between HERV-K (HML-2) and diseases. We recommended more attention to polymorphic integrated HERV-K (HML-2) loci which could be genetic causative factors and be associated with inter-individual differences in tumorigenesis and autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bei Xue
- Division of Immunology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Leonardo A. Sechi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Mediterranean Center for Disease Control, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - David J. Kelvin
- Division of Immunology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tatkiewicz W, Dickie J, Bedford F, Jones A, Atkin M, Kiernan M, Maze EA, Agit B, Farnham G, Kanapin A, Belshaw R. Characterising a human endogenous retrovirus(HERV)-derived tumour-associated antigen: enriched RNA-Seq analysis of HERV-K(HML-2) in mantle cell lymphoma cell lines. Mob DNA 2020; 11:9. [PMID: 32055257 PMCID: PMC7007669 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-020-0204-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cell-surface attachment protein (Env) of the HERV-K(HML-2) lineage of endogenous retroviruses is a potentially attractive tumour-associated antigen for anti-cancer immunotherapy. The human genome contains around 100 integrated copies (called proviruses or loci) of the HERV-K(HML-2) virus and we argue that it is important for therapy development to know which and how many of these contribute to protein expression, and how this varies across tissues. We measured relative provirus expression in HERV-K(HML-2), using enriched RNA-Seq analysis with both short- and long-read sequencing, in three Mantle Cell Lymphoma cell lines (JVM2, Granta519 and REC1). We also confirmed expression of the Env protein in two of our cell lines using Western blotting, and analysed provirus expression data from all other relevant published studies. RESULTS Firstly, in both our and other reanalysed studies, approximately 10% of the transcripts mapping to HERV-K(HML-2) came from Env-encoding proviruses. Secondly, in one cell line the majority of the protein expression appears to come from one provirus (12q14.1). Thirdly, we find a strong tissue-specific pattern of provirus expression. CONCLUSIONS A possible dependency of Env expression on a single provirus, combined with the earlier observation that this provirus is not present in all individuals and a general pattern of tissue-specific expression among proviruses, has serious implications for future HERV-K(HML-2)-targeted immunotherapy. Further research into HERV-K(HML-2) as a possible tumour-associated antigen in blood cancers requires a more targeted, proteome-based, screening protocol that will consider these polymorphisms within HERV-K(HML-2). We include a plan (and necessary alignments) for such work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Witold Tatkiewicz
- Peninsula Medical School, Faculty of Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - James Dickie
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Franchesca Bedford
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Alexander Jones
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Mark Atkin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Michele Kiernan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Emmanuel Atangana Maze
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Bora Agit
- Peninsula Medical School, Faculty of Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Garry Farnham
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Alexander Kanapin
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Current address: Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Robert Belshaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health: Medicine, Dentistry and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kaplan MH, Kaminski M, Estes JM, Gitlin SD, Zahn J, Elder JT, Tejasvi T, Gensterblum E, Sawalha AH, McGowan JP, Dosik MH, Direskeneli H, Direskeneli GS, Adebamowo SN, Adebamowo CA, Sajadi M, Contreras-Galindo R. Structural variation of centromeric endogenous retroviruses in human populations and their impact on cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, Sézary syndrome, and HIV infection. BMC Med Genomics 2019; 12:58. [PMID: 31046767 PMCID: PMC6498702 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-019-0505-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human Endogenous Retroviruses type K HML-2 (HK2) are integrated into 117 or more areas of human chromosomal arms while two newly discovered HK2 proviruses, K111 and K222, spread extensively in pericentromeric regions, are the first retroviruses discovered in these areas of our genome. Methods We use PCR and sequencing analysis to characterize pericentromeric K111 proviruses in DNA from individuals of diverse ethnicities and patients with different diseases. Results We found that the 5′ LTR-gag region of K111 proviruses is missing in certain individuals, creating pericentromeric instability. K111 deletion (−/− K111) is seen in about 15% of Caucasian, Asian, and Middle Eastern populations; it is missing in 2.36% of African individuals, suggesting that the −/− K111 genotype originated out of Africa. As we identified the −/−K111 genotype in Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) cell lines, we studied whether the −/−K111 genotype is associated with CTCL. We found a significant increase in the frequency of detection of the −/−K111 genotype in Caucasian patients with severe CTCL and/or Sézary syndrome (n = 35, 37.14%), compared to healthy controls (n = 160, 15.6%) [p = 0.011]. The −/−K111 genotype was also found to vary in HIV-1 infection. Although Caucasian healthy individuals have a similar frequency of detection of the −/− K111 genotype, Caucasian HIV Long-Term Non-Progressors (LTNPs) and/or elite controllers, have significantly higher detection of the −/−K111 genotype (30.55%; n = 36) than patients who rapidly progress to AIDS (8.5%; n = 47) [p = 0.0097]. Conclusion Our data indicate that pericentromeric instability is associated with more severe CTCL and/or Sézary syndrome in Caucasians, and appears to allow T-cells to survive lysis by HIV infection. These findings also provide new understanding of human evolution, as the −/−K111 genotype appears to have arisen out of Africa and is distributed unevenly throughout the world, possibly affecting the severity of HIV in different geographic areas. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12920-019-0505-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark H Kaplan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Mark Kaminski
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Judith M Estes
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Scott D Gitlin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.,Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Joseph Zahn
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - James T Elder
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.,Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Trilokraj Tejasvi
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.,Ann Arbor Veterans Affairs Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Elizabeth Gensterblum
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Amr H Sawalha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Joseph Patrick McGowan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Feinstein Institute for Medical research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | | | - Haner Direskeneli
- Division of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Sally N Adebamowo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.,Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Clement A Adebamowo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.,Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.,Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Mohammad Sajadi
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Rafael Contreras-Galindo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. .,Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, 55912, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen J, Foroozesh M, Qin Z. Transactivation of human endogenous retroviruses by tumor viruses and their functions in virus-associated malignancies. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:6. [PMID: 30643113 PMCID: PMC6331641 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-018-0114-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), viral-associated sequences, are normal components of the human genome and account for 8–9% of our genome. These original provirus sequences can be transactivated to produce functional products. Several reactivated HERVs have been implicated in cancers and autoimmune diseases. An emerging body of literature supports a potential role of reactivated HERVs in viral diseases, in particular viral-associated neoplasms. Demystifying studies on the mechanism(s) of HERV reactivation could provide a new framework for the development of treatment and prevention strategies targeting virus-associated tumors. Although available data suggest that co-infection by other viruses, such as Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), may be a crucial driving force to transactivate HERV boom, the mechanisms of action of viral infection-induced HERV transactivation and the contributions of HERVs to viral oncogenesis warrant further studies. Here, we review viral co-infection contributes to HERVs transactivation with focus on human viral infection associated oncogenesis and diseases, including the abilities of viral regulators involved in HERV reactivation, and physiological effects of viral infection response on HERV reactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jungang Chen
- Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Maryam Foroozesh
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA, 70125, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Qin
- Department of Pathology, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200120, Shanghai, China. .,Research Center for Translational Medicine and Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200120, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Endogenous retrovirus (ERV) sequences make up a large fraction of our genome, yet little is understood about their function and biological relevance. Deep-sequencing data contain valuable information on a genome-wide scale. Yet, due to their highly repetitive nature, analysis of ERVs has been computationally challenging. We describe a bioinformatics tool called ERVmap to analyze transcription of unique sets of human ERVs in a range of cell types in health and disease settings. Our open-source code and accompanied web tool should facilitate researchers in all fields to study the expression patterns of ERVs in sequencing data and should lead to significant advancement in understanding the biological relevance of ERVs in health and disease. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are integrated retroviral elements that make up 8% of the human genome. However, the impact of ERVs on human health and disease is not well understood. While select ERVs have been implicated in diseases, including autoimmune disease and cancer, the lack of tools to analyze genome-wide, locus-specific expression of proviral autonomous ERVs has hampered the progress in the field. Here we describe a method called ERVmap, consisting of an annotated database of 3,220 human proviral ERVs and a pipeline that allows for locus-specific genome-wide identification of proviral ERVs that are transcribed based on RNA-sequencing data, and provide examples of the utility of this tool. Using ERVmap, we revealed cell-type–specific ERV expression patterns in commonly used cell lines as well as in primary cells. We identified 124 unique ERV loci that are significantly elevated in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus that represent an IFN-independent signature. Finally, we identified additional tumor-associated ERVs that correlate with cytolytic activity represented by granzyme and perforin expression in breast cancer tissue samples. The open-source code of ERVmap and the accompanied web tool are made publicly available to quantify proviral ERVs in RNA-sequencing data with ease. Use of ERVmap across a range of diseases and experimental conditions has the potential to uncover novel disease-associated antigens and effectors involved in human health that is currently missed by focusing on protein-coding sequences.
Collapse
|
18
|
Garcia-Montojo M, Doucet-O'Hare T, Henderson L, Nath A. Human endogenous retrovirus-K (HML-2): a comprehensive review. Crit Rev Microbiol 2018; 44:715-738. [PMID: 30318978 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2018.1501345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The human genome contains a large number of retroviral elements acquired over the process of evolution, some of which are specific to primates. However, as many of these are defective or silenced through epigenetic changes, they were historically considered "junk DNA" and their potential role in human physiology or pathological circumstances have been poorly studied. The most recently acquired, human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K), has multiple copies in the human genome and some of them have complete open reading frames that are transcribed and translated, especially in early embryogenesis. Phylogenetically, HERV-K is considered a supergroup of viruses. One of the subtypes, termed HML-2, seems to be the most active and hence, it is the best studied. Aberrant expression of HML-2 in adult tissues has been associated with certain types of cancer and with neurodegenerative diseases. This review discusses the discovery of these viruses, their classification, structure, regulation and potential for replication, physiological roles, and their involvement in disease pathogenesis. Finally, it presents different therapeutic approaches being considered to target these viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Garcia-Montojo
- a Section of Infections of the Nervous System , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Tara Doucet-O'Hare
- a Section of Infections of the Nervous System , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Lisa Henderson
- a Section of Infections of the Nervous System , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Avindra Nath
- a Section of Infections of the Nervous System , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Turnbull MG, Douville RN. Related Endogenous Retrovirus-K Elements Harbor Distinct Protease Active Site Motifs. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1577. [PMID: 30072963 PMCID: PMC6058741 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Endogenous retrovirus-K is a group of related genomic elements descending from retroviral infections in human ancestors. HML2 is the clade of these viruses which contains the most intact provirus copies. These elements can be transcribed and translated in healthy and diseased tissues, and some of them produce active retroviral enzymes, such as protease. Retroviral gene products, including protease, contribute to illness in exogenous retroviral infections. There are ongoing efforts to test anti-retroviral regimens against endogenous retroviruses. Herein, we examine the potential activity and diversity of human endogenous retrovirus-K proteases, and their potential for impact on immunity and human disease. Results: Sequences similar to the endogenous retrovirus-K HML2 protease and reverse transcriptase were identified in the human genome, classified by phylogenetic inference and compared to Repbase reference sequences. The topologies of trees inferred from protease and reverse transcriptase sequences were similar and agreed with the classification using reference sequences. Surprisingly, only 62/480 protease sequences identified by BLAST were classified as HML2; the remainder were classified as other HML groups, with the majority (216) classified as HML3. Variation in functionally significant protease motifs was explored, and two major active site variants were identified – the DTGAD variant is common in all groups, but the DTGVD motif appears limited to HML3, HML5, and HML6. Furthermore, distinct RNA expression patterns of protease variants are seen in disease states, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Conclusion: Transcribed ERVK proteases exhibit a diversity which could impact immunity and inhibitor-based treatments, and these facets should be considered when designing therapeutic regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Renée N Douville
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Interactions between human endogenous and exogenous retroviruses. Genes Genomics 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-017-0568-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
21
|
de Mulder M, SenGupta D, Deeks SG, Martin JN, Pilcher CD, Hecht FM, Sacha JB, Nixon DF, Michaud HA. Anti-HERV-K (HML-2) capsid antibody responses in HIV elite controllers. Retrovirology 2017; 14:41. [PMID: 28830571 PMCID: PMC5568399 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-017-0365-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) comprise approximately 8% of the human genome and while the majority are transcriptionally silent, the most recently integrated HERV, HERV-K (HML-2), remains active. During HIV infection, HERV-K (HML-2) specific mRNA transcripts and viral proteins can be detected. In this study, we aimed to understand the antibody response against HERV-K (HML-2) Gag in the context of HIV-1 infection. RESULTS We developed an ELISA assay using either recombinant protein or 164 redundant "15mer" HERV-K (HML-2) Gag peptides to test sera for antibody reactivity. We identified a total of eight potential HERV-K (HML-2) Gag immunogenic domains: two on the matrix (peptides 16 and 31), one on p15 (peptide 85), three on the capsid (peptides 81, 97 and 117), one on the nucleocapsid (peptide 137) and one on the QP1 protein (peptide 157). Four epitopes (peptides 16, 31, 85 and 137) were highly immunogenic. No significant differences in antibody responses were found between HIV infected participants (n = 40) and uninfected donors (n = 40) for 6 out of the 8 epitopes tested. The antibody response against nucleocapsid (peptide 137) was significantly lower (p < 0.001), and the response to QP1 (peptide 157) significantly higher (p < 0.05) in HIV-infected adults compared to uninfected individuals. Among those with HIV infection, the level of response against p15 protein (peptide 85) was significantly lower in untreated individuals controlling HIV ("elite" controllers) compared to untreated non-controllers (p < 0.05) and uninfected donors (p < 0.05). In contrast, the response against the capsid protein (epitopes 81 and 117) was significantly higher in controllers compared to uninfected donors (p < 0.001 and <0.05 respectively) and non-controllers (p < 0.01 and <0.05). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from study participants were tested for responses against HERV-K (HML-2) capsid recombinant peptide in gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme immunospot (Elispot) assays. We found that the HERV-K (HML-2) Gag antibody and T cell response by Elispot were significantly correlated. CONCLUSIONS HIV elite controllers had a strong cellular and antibody response against HERV-K (HML-2) Gag directed mainly against the Capsid region. Collectively, these data suggest that anti-HERV-K (HML-2) antibodies targeting capsid could have an immunoprotective effect in HIV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel de Mulder
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Ross Hall 604, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC 20037 USA
| | - Devi SenGupta
- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, CA USA
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Steven G. Deeks
- HIV/AIDS Program, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Jeffrey N. Martin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Christopher D. Pilcher
- HIV/AIDS Program, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Frederick M. Hecht
- HIV/AIDS Program, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Jonah B. Sacha
- Division of Pathobiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, CA USA
| | - Douglas F. Nixon
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Ross Hall 604, 2300 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC 20037 USA
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Henri-Alexandre Michaud
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
- Equipe Immunité et Cancer, Institut de Recherche en Cancérlogie de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Buzdin AA, Prassolov V, Garazha AV. Friends-Enemies: Endogenous Retroviruses Are Major Transcriptional Regulators of Human DNA. Front Chem 2017. [PMID: 28642863 PMCID: PMC5462908 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2017.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses are mobile genetic elements hardly distinguishable from infectious, or “exogenous,” retroviruses at the time of insertion in the host DNA. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are not rare. They gave rise to multiple families of closely related mobile elements that occupy ~8% of the human genome. Together, they shape genomic regulatory landscape by providing at least ~320,000 human transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) located on ~110,000 individual HERV elements. The HERVs host as many as 155,000 mapped DNaseI hypersensitivity sites, which denote loci active in the regulation of gene expression or chromatin structure. The contemporary view of the HERVs evolutionary dynamics suggests that at the early stages after insertion, the HERV is treated by the host cells as a foreign genetic element, and is likely to be suppressed by the targeted methylation and mutations. However, at the later stages, when significant number of mutations has been already accumulated and when the retroviral genes are broken, the regulatory potential of a HERV may be released and recruited to modify the genomic balance of transcription factor binding sites. This process goes together with further accumulation and selection of mutations, which reshape the regulatory landscape of the human DNA. However, developmental reprogramming, stress or pathological conditions like cancer, inflammation and infectious diseases, can remove the blocks limiting expression and HERV-mediated host gene regulation. This, in turn, can dramatically alter the gene expression equilibrium and shift it to a newer state, thus further amplifying instability and exacerbating the stressful situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton A Buzdin
- Department of Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of SciencesMoscow, Russia.,Centre for Convergence of Nano-, Bio-, Information and Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute,"Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Prassolov
- Department of Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of SciencesMoscow, Russia
| | - Andrew V Garazha
- Group for Genomic Regulation of Cell Signaling Systems, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryMoscow, Russia.,Department of Biomedicine, Moscow Institute of Physics and TechnologyMoscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hanke K, Hohn O, Bannert N. HERV-K(HML-2), a seemingly silent subtenant - but still waters run deep. APMIS 2016; 124:67-87. [PMID: 26818263 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A large proportion of the human genome consists of endogenous retroviruses, some of which are well preserved, showing transcriptional activity, and expressing retroviral proteins. The HERV-K(HML-2) family represents the most intact members of these elements, with some having open and intact reading frames for viral proteins and the ability to form virus-like particles. Although generally suppressed in most healthy tissues by a variety of epigenetic processes and antiviral mechanisms, there is evidence that some members of this family are (at least partly) still active - particularly in certain stem cells and various tumors. This raises the possibility of their involvement in tumor induction or in developmental processes. In recent years, many new insights into this fascinating field have been attained, and this review focuses on new discoveries about coevolutionary events and intracellular defense mechanisms against HERV-K(HML-2) activity. We also describe what might occur when these mechanisms fail or become modulated by viral proteins or other viruses and discuss the new vistas opened up by the reconstitution of ancestral viral proteins and even complete HML-2 viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Hanke
- Department HIV and Other Retroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Hohn
- Department HIV and Other Retroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Bannert
- Department HIV and Other Retroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wu HL, Léon EJ, Wallace LT, Nimiyongskul FA, Buechler MB, Newman LP, Castrovinci PA, Paul Johnson R, Gifford RJ, Brad Jones R, Sacha JB. Identification and spontaneous immune targeting of an endogenous retrovirus K envelope protein in the Indian rhesus macaque model of human disease. Retrovirology 2016; 13:6. [PMID: 26767784 PMCID: PMC4714462 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-016-0238-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections that have invaded the germ line of both humans and non-human primates. Most ERVs are functionally crippled by deletions, mutations, and hypermethylation, leading to the view that they are inert genomic fossils. However, some ERVs can produce mRNA transcripts, functional viral proteins, and even non-infectious virus particles during certain developmental and pathological processes. While there have been reports of ERV-specific immunity associated with ERV activity in humans, adaptive immune responses to ERV-encoded gene products remain poorly defined and have not been investigated in the physiologically relevant non-human primate model of human disease. FINDINGS Here, we identified the rhesus macaque equivalent of the biologically active human ERV-K (HML-2), simian ERV-K (SERV-K1), which retains intact open reading frames for both Gag and Env on chromosome 12 in the macaque genome. From macaque cells we isolated a spliced mRNA product encoding SERV-K1 Env, which possesses all the structural features of a canonical, functional retroviral Envelope protein. Furthermore, we identified rare, but robust T cell responses as well as frequent antibody responses targeting SERV-K1 Env in rhesus macaques. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that SERV-K1 retains biological activity sufficient to induce cellular and humoral immune responses in rhesus macaques. As ERV-K is the youngest and most active ERV family in the human genome, the identification and characterization of the simian orthologue in rhesus macaques provides a highly relevant animal model in which to study the role of ERV-K in developmental and disease states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helen L Wu
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA.
| | - Enrique J Léon
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA. .,Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, 97007, USA.
| | - Lyle T Wallace
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Francesca A Nimiyongskul
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Matthew B Buechler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Laura P Newman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Philip A Castrovinci
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - R Paul Johnson
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Robert J Gifford
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK.
| | - R Brad Jones
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Tropical Medicine, George Washington University, Washington DC, USA.
| | - Jonah B Sacha
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA. .,Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, 97007, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Laderoute MP, Larocque LJ, Giulivi A, Diaz-Mitoma F. Further Evidence that Human Endogenous Retrovirus K102 is a Replication Competent Foamy Virus that may Antagonize HIV-1 Replication. Open AIDS J 2015; 9:112-22. [PMID: 26793281 PMCID: PMC4714383 DOI: 10.2174/1874613601509010112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The goals of the research were to determine if a foamy effect on macrophages was due to human
endogenous retrovirus K102 (HERV-K102) replication, and to further address its potential significance in HIV-1
infection. Methods: An RT-PCR HERV-K HML-2 pol method was used to screen the unknown HERV, and isolated bands were
sent for sequencing. Confirmation of RNA expression was performed by a real time quantitative PCR (qPCR) pol ddCt
method. Rabbit antibodies to Env peptides were used to assess expression by immunohistology and processing of Env by
western blots. A qPCR pol ddCt method to ascertain genomic copy number was performed on genomic DNA isolated
from plasma comparing HIV-1 exposed seronegative (HESN) commercial sex workers (CSW) to normal controls and
contrasted with HIV-1 patients. Results: HERV-K102 expression, particle production and replication were associated with foamy macrophage generation
in the cultures of cord blood mononuclear cells under permissive conditions. A five-fold increased HERV-K102 pol
genomic copy number was found in the HESN cohort over normal which was not found in HIV-1 positive patients
(p=0.0005). Conclusions: This work extends the evidence that HERV-K102 has foamy virus attributes, is replication competent, and is
capable of high replication rate in vivo and in vitro. This may be the first characterization of a replication-competent,
foamy-like virus of humans. High particle production inferred by increased integration in the HESN cohort over HIV-1
patients raises the issue of the clinical importance of HERV-K102 particle production as an early protective innate
immune response against HIV-1 replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marian P Laderoute
- Bloodborne Pathogens Division, Blood Zoonotics Unit, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
| | - Louise J Larocque
- Bloodborne Pathogens Division, Blood Zoonotics Unit, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
| | - Antonio Giulivi
- Division of Hematopathology and Transfusion Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
| | - Francisco Diaz-Mitoma
- The Advanced Medical Research Institute of Canada, Sudbury, Ontario Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wolf G, Greenberg D, Macfarlan TS. Spotting the enemy within: Targeted silencing of foreign DNA in mammalian genomes by the Krüppel-associated box zinc finger protein family. Mob DNA 2015; 6:17. [PMID: 26435754 PMCID: PMC4592553 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-015-0050-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tandem C2H2-type zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) constitute the largest transcription factor family in animals. Tandem-ZFPs bind DNA in a sequence-specific manner through arrays of multiple zinc finger domains that allow high flexibility and specificity in target recognition. In tetrapods, a large proportion of tandem-ZFPs contain Krüppel-associated-box (KRAB) repression domains, which are able to induce epigenetic silencing through the KAP1 corepressor. The KRAB-ZFP family continuously amplified in tetrapods through segmental gene duplications, often accompanied by deletions, duplications, and mutations of the zinc finger domains. As a result, tetrapod genomes contain unique sets of KRAB-ZFP genes, consisting of ancient and recently evolved family members. Although several hundred human and mouse KRAB-ZFPs have been identified or predicted, the biological functions of most KRAB-ZFP family members have gone unexplored. Furthermore, the evolutionary forces driving the extraordinary KRAB-ZFP expansion and diversification have remained mysterious for decades. In this review, we highlight recent studies that associate KRAB-ZFPs with the repression of parasitic DNA elements in the mammalian germ line and discuss the hypothesis that the KRAB-ZFP family primarily evolved as an adaptive genomic surveillance system against foreign DNA. Finally, we comment on the computational, genetic, and biochemical challenges of studying KRAB-ZFPs and attempt to predict how these challenges may be soon overcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gernot Wolf
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - David Greenberg
- The Gladstone Institute of Virology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA ; Present address: Pacific Biosciences, 1380 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025 USA
| | - Todd S Macfarlan
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Suntsova M, Garazha A, Ivanova A, Kaminsky D, Zhavoronkov A, Buzdin A. Molecular functions of human endogenous retroviruses in health and disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:3653-75. [PMID: 26082181 PMCID: PMC11113533 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1947-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) and related genetic elements form 504 distinct families and occupy ~8% of human genome. Recent success of high-throughput experimental technologies facilitated understanding functional impact of HERVs for molecular machinery of human cells. HERVs encode active retroviral proteins, which may exert important physiological functions in the body, but also may be involved in the progression of cancer and numerous human autoimmune, neurological and infectious diseases. The spectrum of related malignancies includes, but not limits to, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, lupus, schizophrenia, multiple cancer types and HIV. In addition, HERVs regulate expression of the neighboring host genes and modify genomic regulatory landscape, e.g., by providing regulatory modules like transcription factor binding sites (TFBS). Indeed, recent bioinformatic profiling identified ~110,000 regulatory active HERV elements, which formed at least ~320,000 human TFBS. These and other peculiarities of HERVs might have played an important role in human evolution and speciation. In this paper, we focus on the current progress in understanding of normal and pathological molecular niches of HERVs, on their implications in human evolution, normal physiology and disease. We also review the available databases dealing with various aspects of HERV genetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Suntsova
- Group for Genomic Regulation of Cell Signaling Systems, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, D. Rogachyov Federal Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, 117198, Russia.
| | - Andrew Garazha
- Group for Genomic Regulation of Cell Signaling Systems, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, D. Rogachyov Federal Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, 117198, Russia.
| | - Alena Ivanova
- Group for Genomic Regulation of Cell Signaling Systems, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
- Pathway Pharmaceuticals, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
| | - Dmitry Kaminsky
- Pathway Pharmaceuticals, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
| | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Pathway Pharmaceuticals, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
- Department of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 9 Institutskiy per., Dolgoprudny, Moscow, 141700, Russia.
| | - Anton Buzdin
- Group for Genomic Regulation of Cell Signaling Systems, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
- Pathway Pharmaceuticals, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
- National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Centre for Convergence of Nano-, Bio-, Information and Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, 1, Akademika Kurchatova sq., Moscow, 123182, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hurst TP, Magiorkinis G. Activation of the innate immune response by endogenous retroviruses. J Gen Virol 2015; 96:1207-1218. [PMID: 26068187 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The human genome comprises 8 % endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), the majority of which are defective due to deleterious mutations. Nonetheless, transcripts of ERVs are found in most tissues, and these transcripts could either be reverse transcribed to generate ssDNA or expressed to generate proteins. Thus, the expression of ERVs could produce nucleic acids or proteins with viral signatures, much like the pathogen-associated molecular patterns of exogenous viruses, which would enable them to be detected by the innate immune system. The activation of some pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in response to ERVs has been described in mice and in the context of human autoimmune diseases. Here, we review the evidence for detection of ERVs by PRRs and the resultant activation of innate immune signalling. This is an emerging area of research within the field of innate antiviral immunity, showing how ERVs could initiate immune signalling pathways and might have implications for numerous inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara P Hurst
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Gkikas Magiorkinis
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Senoputra MA, Shiratori B, Hasibuan FM, Koesoemadinata RC, Apriani L, Ashino Y, Ono K, Oda T, Matsumoto M, Suzuki Y, Alisjahbana B, Hattori T. Diagnostic value of antibody responses to multiple antigens from Mycobacterium tuberculosis in active and latent tuberculosis. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 83:278-85. [PMID: 26307672 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2015.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the antibody responses to 10 prospective Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) antigens and evaluated their ability to discriminate between latent (LTBI) and active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Our results indicate that plasma levels of anti-α-crystallin (ACR), antilipoarabinomannan, anti-trehalose 6,6'-dimycolate, and anti-tubercular-glycolipid antigen antibodies were higher in patients with active TB, compared to those in the LTBI and control subjects. No differences in the antibodies were observed between the control and LTBI subjects. Antibodies against the glycolipid antigens could not distinguish between Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC)-negative TB patients and MAC-infected LTBI individuals. The most useful serological marker was antibodies to ACR, with MAC-negative TB patients having higher titers than those observed in MAC-positive LTBI and control subjects. Our data indicate that antibody to ACR is a promising target for the serological diagnosis of patients with active TB patients. When dealing with antiglycolipid antibodies, MAC coinfection should always be considered in serological studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Andrian Senoputra
- Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 21 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574 Miyagi, Japan; Public Health Science Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Eicjkman 38, Bandung, 40161, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Beata Shiratori
- Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 21 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574 Miyagi, Japan; Division of Disaster-related Infectious Diseases, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Miyagi, Japan; Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services, 2-3-20 Toranomon YHK Bldg. 4F, Toranomon, Minato-ku, 105-0001 Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Fakhrial Mirwan Hasibuan
- Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 21 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574 Miyagi, Japan; Public Health Science Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Eicjkman 38, Bandung, 40161, West Java, Indonesia.
| | | | - Lika Apriani
- TB-HIV Research Center, Medical faculty, Padjadjaran University, Jl. Eicjkman 38, Bandung, 40161, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Yugo Ashino
- Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 21 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574 Miyagi, Japan; Division of Disaster-related Infectious Diseases, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Miyagi, Japan.
| | - Kenji Ono
- Microbiological Research Institute, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 463-10 Kagasuno, Kawauchi-cho, 771-0192 Tokushima, Japan.
| | - Tetsuya Oda
- Microbiological Research Institute, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 463-10 Kagasuno, Kawauchi-cho, 771-0192 Tokushima, Japan.
| | - Makoto Matsumoto
- Microbiological Research Institute, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 463-10 Kagasuno, Kawauchi-cho, 771-0192 Tokushima, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiko Suzuki
- Division of Global Epidemiology, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, North 20, West 10, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 001-0020 Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Bachti Alisjahbana
- TB-HIV Research Center, Medical faculty, Padjadjaran University, Jl. Eicjkman 38, Bandung, 40161, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Toshio Hattori
- Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 21 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574 Miyagi, Japan; Division of Disaster-related Infectious Diseases, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Miyagi, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
HIV Tat acts on endogenous retroviruses of the W family and this occurs via Toll-like receptor 4: inference for neuroAIDS. AIDS 2014; 28:2659-70. [PMID: 25250834 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to verify whether HIV activates two endogenous retroviruses of the human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-W family, multiple sclerosis-associated retrovirus (MSRV) and Syncytin-1, whose neuropathogenic and immunopathogenic properties could contribute to HIV-related neurodegeneration. DESIGN AND METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells, monocyte-macrophages and astrocytes were either infected by HIV or exposed to HIV-Tat, and/or other treatments. The expression of transcripts and proteins of interest was evaluated by real-time RT-PCR and western blotting assays, respectively. RESULTS HIV and Tat increase the levels of MSRVenv mRNAs and HERV-Wenv proteins in astrocytes and in blood cells. In monocyte-macrophages, Tat also induces high levels of CCR2, CD16 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) molecules. Syncytin-1 response to Tat depends on the cell context: in monocytes, Tat stimulates MSRVenv and inhibits Syncytin-1, while in differentiated macrophages, it stimulates both elements. In primary astrocytes, Tat stimulates MSRV and Syncytin-1 indirectly, through interaction with TLR4 and induction of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), without internalization. CONCLUSION In-vivo consequence of the study could be that, through increase of CD16 and CCR2, Tat promotes neuroinvasion not only by HIV-infected monocytes/macrophages but also by the HERV-Ws, with their neuropathogenic potential. Also, the novel finding of TLR4 stimulation by Tat may be of relevance, as TLR4 is critical in neuroinflammation. Within central nervous system (CNS), Tat-induced TNFα could induce high levels of the HERV-Ws, in both macrophages and astrocytes, also without HIV replication. The indirect mechanism by which Tat activates the HERV-Ws through induction of TNFα could add a new piece to the puzzle of CNS pathogenesis, that is the HERV-Wenv contribute to the HIV-related neurodegeneration.
Collapse
|
31
|
Diminished humoral responses against and reduced gene expression levels of human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) in psoriasis. J Transl Med 2014; 12:256. [PMID: 25224121 PMCID: PMC4174287 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-014-0256-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Psoriasis is a multifactorial, chronic disease of skin affecting 2-3% of the world’s population. Genetic studies of psoriasis have identified a number of susceptibility genes that are involved in anti-viral immunity. Furthermore, physiological studies have also found an increase in anti-viral proteins in psoriatic skin. These findings suggest the presence of an anti-viral state in psoriatic skin. However, the triggers for this anti-viral cascade and its consequences for host immunity are not known. Endogenous retroviruses have previously been described in many autoimmune diseases including psoriasis. Methods In the present study we examined the humoral immune response against human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) proteins and the cutaneous expression levels of multiple HERV-K genes in psoriasis patients and healthy controls. Results In psoriatic sera we observed a significant decrease in IgM response against three HERV-K proteins: Env surface unit (SU), Env transmembrane protein (TM), and Gag capsid (CA) in comparison to sera obtained from blood bank healthy controls. A decrease in IgG response was also observed against CA. Furthermore, using quantitative RT-PCR we observed a decrease in the expression of HERV-K Env, Gag, Pol and Rec as well as ERV-9 genes in lesional psoriatic skin as compared to healthy skin. Conclusions Together, our results suggest that the pro-inflammatory, anti-viral state in psoriasis is associated with diminished expression of HERV-K gene transcripts and a concomitant decrease in humoral responses to HERV-K. Our results indicate that a simple model where continuous, minimally changing HERV-K expression serves as an antigenic trigger in psoriasis might not be correct and further studies are needed to decipher the possible relationship between psoriasis and HERVs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12967-014-0256-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
32
|
Manghera M, Ferguson J, Douville R. Endogenous Retrovirus-K and Nervous System Diseases. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2014; 14:488. [DOI: 10.1007/s11910-014-0488-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
33
|
Michaud HA, SenGupta D, de Mulder M, Deeks SG, Martin JN, Kobie JJ, Sacha JB, Nixon DF. Cutting edge: An antibody recognizing ancestral endogenous virus glycoproteins mediates antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity on HIV-1-infected cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 193:1544-8. [PMID: 25024383 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The failure of antiviral vaccines is often associated with rapid viral escape from specific immune responses. In the past, conserved epitope or algorithmic epitope selections, such as mosaic vaccines, have been designed to diversify immunity and to circumvent potential viral escape. An alternative approach is to identify conserved stable non-HIV-1 self-epitopes present exclusively in HIV-1-infected cells. We showed previously that human endogenous retroviral (HERV) mRNA transcripts and protein are found in cells of HIV-1-infected patients and that HERV-K (HML-2)-specific T cells can eliminate HIV-1-infected cells in vitro. In this article, we demonstrate that a human anti-HERV-K (HML-2) transmembrane protein Ab binds specifically to HIV-1-infected cells and eliminates them through an Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity mechanism in vitro. Thus, Abs directed against epitopes other than HIV-1 proteins may have a role in eliminating HIV-1-infected cells and could be targeted in novel vaccine approaches or immunotherapeutic modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henri-Alexandre Michaud
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110; Equipe Immunité et Cancer, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, 34298 Montpellier cedex 5, France;
| | - Devi SenGupta
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110
| | - Miguel de Mulder
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037
| | - Steven G Deeks
- HIV/AIDS Program, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110
| | - Jeffrey N Martin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - James J Kobie
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Jonah B Sacha
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97006; and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97006
| | - Douglas F Nixon
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037;
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
HIV-1 interacts with human endogenous retrovirus K (HML-2) envelopes derived from human primary lymphocytes. J Virol 2014; 88:6213-23. [PMID: 24648457 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00669-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are viruses that have colonized the germ line and spread through vertical passage. Only the more recently acquired HERVs, such as the HERV-K (HML-2) group, maintain coding open reading frames. Expression of HERV-Ks has been linked to different pathological conditions, including HIV infection, but our knowledge on which specific HERV-Ks are expressed in primary lymphocytes currently is very limited. To identify the most expressed HERV-Ks in an unbiased manner, we analyzed their expression patterns in peripheral blood lymphocytes using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing. We observe that three HERV-Ks (KII, K102, and K18) constitute over 90% of the total HERV-K expression in primary human lymphocytes of five different donors. We also show experimentally that two of these HERV-K env sequences (K18 and K102) retain their ability to produce full-length and posttranslationally processed envelope proteins in cell culture. We show that HERV-K18 Env can be incorporated into HIV-1 but not simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) particles. Moreover, HERV-K18 Env incorporation into HIV-1 virions is dependent on HIV-1 matrix. Taken together, we generated high-resolution HERV-K expression profiles specific for activated human lymphocytes. We found that one of the most abundantly expressed HERV-K envelopes not only makes a full-length protein but also specifically interacts with HIV-1. Our findings raise the possibility that these endogenous retroviral Env proteins could directly influence HIV-1 replication. IMPORTANCE Here, we report the HERV-K expression profile of primary lymphocytes from 5 different healthy donors. We used a novel deep-sequencing technology (PacBio SMRT) that produces the long reads necessary to discriminate the complexity of HERV-K expression. We find that primary lymphocytes express up to 32 different HERV-K envelopes, and that at least two of the most expressed Env proteins retain their ability to make a protein. Importantly, one of them, the envelope glycoprotein of HERV-K18, is incorporated into HIV-1 in an HIV matrix-specific fashion. The ramifications of such interactions are discussed, as the possibility of HIV-1 target tissue broadening and immune evasion are considered.
Collapse
|
35
|
Barbeau B, Hiscott J, Bazarbachi A, Carvalho E, Jones K, Martin F, Matsuoka M, Murphy EL, Ratner L, Switzer WM, Watanabe T. Conference highlights of the 16th International Conference on Human Retrovirology: HTLV and related retroviruses, 26-30 June 2013, Montreal, Canada. Retrovirology 2014; 11:19. [PMID: 24558960 PMCID: PMC3939404 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-11-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The 16th International Conference on Human Retrovirology: HTLV and Related Retroviruses was held in Montreal, Québec from June 26th to June 30th, 2013 and was therefore hosted by a Canadian city for the first time. The major topic of the meeting was human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLVs) and was covered through distinct oral and poster presentation sessions: clinical research, animal models, immunology, molecular and cellular biology, human endogenous and emerging exogenous retroviruses and virology. In this review, highlights of the meeting are provided by different experts for each of these research areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Barbeau
- Département des sciences biologiques and BioMed Research Center, Université du Québec à Montréal, Room SB-3335, 2080 St-Urbain, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - John Hiscott
- VGTI Florida, Port St., Lucie, FL, USA
- Lady Davis Insitute, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ali Bazarbachi
- Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Edgar Carvalho
- Immunology Department, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Kathryn Jones
- Basic Research Program, Cancer and Inflammation Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Fabiola Martin
- Centre for Immunology and Infection, Department of Biology, Hull and York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Masao Matsuoka
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Institute for Virus Research, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Edward L Murphy
- University of California San Francisco and Blood Systems Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lee Ratner
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - William M Switzer
- Laboratory Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Toshiki Watanabe
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|