Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology (Apr 2024)

Beyond pathogens: the intriguing genetic legacy of endogenous retroviruses in host physiology

  • Amanda Lopes da Silva,
  • Bruno Luiz Miranda Guedes,
  • Samuel Nascimento Santos,
  • Giovanna Francisco Correa,
  • Ariane Nardy,
  • Luiz Henrique da Silva Nali,
  • Andre Luis Lacerda Bachi,
  • Camila Malta Romano,
  • Camila Malta Romano

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2024.1379962
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14

Abstract

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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.

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