lnteractions between Exogenous and Endogenous Retroviruses

• Published in: Journal of biomedical science Vol. 4; no. 1; pp. 1 - 8
• Main Author: Rasmussen, H.B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel, Switzerland 01.01.1997
• Subjects: Reviews; Exogenous; Retroviruses; Endogenous
• ISSN: 1021-7770; 1423-0127
• DOI: 10.1159/000456957

Retroviruses are distinguished from other viruses by several features. Notably, some retroviruses are present as normal elements in the genomes of virtually all vertebrates (endogenous proviruses). Others are exogenous, i.e. horizontally transmitted agents, many of which cause fatal diseases. The endogenous retroviruses are genetically transmitted and to a large extent their significance is uncertain. However, there is evidence suggesting that thcy contribute to the development of diseases in several animal species. Most importantly, some endogenous retroviruses are capable of interacting with exogenous counterparts through a variety of different mechanisms with serious consequences to the host. Conversely, others arc advantageous in that they protect against exogenous retroviruses. In this review various types of interactions bctween endogenous and exogenous retroviruses are discussed, including receptor interference, recombination, phenotypic mixing, immunological interactions and heterologous trans-activation.