Human Endogenous Retrovirus-K and TDP-43 Expression Bridges ALS and HIV Neuropathology.
Title | Human Endogenous Retrovirus-K and TDP-43 Expression Bridges ALS and HIV Neuropathology. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2017 |
Authors | Douville, RN, Nath, A |
Journal | Front Microbiol |
Volume | 8 |
Pagination | 1986 |
Date Published | 2017 |
ISSN | 1664-302X |
Abstract | Despite the repetitive association of endogenous retroviruses in human disease, the mechanisms behind their pathological contributions remain to be resolved. Here we discuss how neuronal human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K) expression in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals is a distinct pathological aspect of HIV-associated neurological conditions, such as HIV encephalitis and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Enhanced neuronal HERV-K levels were observed in the majority of HIV-infected individuals, and to a higher degree in brain tissue marked by HIV replication. Moreover, we highlight an important neuropathological overlap between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and HIV encephalitis, that being the formation of neurotoxic TDP-43 deposits in neurons. Herein, we argue for enhanced transdisciplinary research in the field of ERV biology, using an example of how HERV-K expression has novel mechanistic and therapeutic implications for HIV neuropathology. |
DOI | 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01986 |
Alternate Journal | Front Microbiol |
PubMed ID | 29075249 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC5641584 |