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Endogenous retroviruses in the origins and treatment of cancer

Authors :
Natasha Jansz
Geoffrey J. Faulkner
Source :
Genome Biology, Vol 22, Iss 1, Pp 1-22 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
BMC, 2021.

Abstract

Abstract Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are emerging as promising therapeutic targets in cancer. As remnants of ancient retroviral infections, ERV-derived regulatory elements coordinate expression from gene networks, including those underpinning embryogenesis and immune cell function. ERV activation can promote an interferon response, a phenomenon termed viral mimicry. Although ERV expression is associated with cancer, and provisionally with autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, ERV-mediated inflammation is being explored as a way to sensitize tumors to immunotherapy. Here we review ERV co-option in development and innate immunity, the aberrant contribution of ERVs to tumorigenesis, and the wider biomedical potential of therapies directed at ERVs.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1474760X
Volume :
22
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Genome Biology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.55fe74333a144d3583d23d82a2124c94
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13059-021-02357-4