A paradigm for virus-host coevolution: sequential counter-adaptations between endogenous and exogenous retroviruses.

ABSTRACT: Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections of the host germline transmitted vertically from generation to generation. It is hypothesized that some ERVs are used by the host as restriction factors to block the infection of pathogenic retroviruses. Indeed, some ERVs efficiently interfere with the replication of related exogenous retroviruses. However, data suggesting that these mechanisms have influenced the coevolution of endogenous and/or exogenous retroviruses and their hosts have been more difficult to obtain. Sheep are an interesting model system to study retrovirus-host coevolution because of the coexistence in this animal species of two exogenous (i.e., horizontally transmitted) oncogenic retroviruses, Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus and Enzootic nasal tu

SUBMITTER: Arnaud F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2065879 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature