Human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) envelope structures in pre- and postfusion by cryo-EM.

ABSTRACT: Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of ancient infections that comprise ~8% of the human genome. The HERV-K envelope glycoprotein (Env) is aberrantly expressed in cancers, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, and is targeted by patients' own antibodies. However, a lack of structural information has limited molecular and immunological studies of the roles of HERVs in disease. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of stabilized HERV-K Env in the prefusion conformation, revealing a distinct fold and architecture compared to HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus. We also generated and characterized a panel of monoclonal antibodies with subunit and conformational specificity, serving as valuable research tools. These antibodies enabled structure de

SUBMITTER: Shek J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12383274 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature