The prefusion structure of the HERV-K (HML-2) Env spike complex.

ABSTRACT: The human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) is a retrovirus that got assimilated into the human genome in ancient times and has been inherited in our germline ever since. It enters cells using a class-I spike protein (Env) that mediates receptor recognition and membrane fusion. On top of having a biological role during development, HERV-K is activated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, various cancers, and other pathological conditions. Antibodies that target the HERV-K spike complex have therapeutic value, flagging the spike as a novel drug target. Here, we use cryo-EM to determine the trimeric structure of the HERV-K spike. The spike presents a distinct structure, which substantially differs from other class-I fusogens. Nevertheless, some general architectural features suggest a common ori

SUBMITTER: Shaked R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12280955 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature