Abstract |
In diseases where epigenetic mechanisms are changed, such as cancer, many genes show altered gene expression and inhibited genes become activated. Human endogenous retrovirus type K (HERV-K) expression is usually inhibited in normal cells from healthy adults. In tumor cells, however, HERV-K mRNA expression has been frequently documented to increase. Importantly, HERV-K-derived proteins can act as tumor-specific antigens, a class of neoantigens, and induce immune responses in different types of cancer. In this review, we describe the function of the HERV-K HML-2 subtype in carcinogenesis as biomarkers, and their potential as targets for cancer immunotherapy.
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Authors | Gislaine Curty, Jez L Marston, Miguel de Mulder Rougvie, Fabio E Leal, Douglas F Nixon, Marcelo A Soares |
Journal | Viruses
(Viruses)
Vol. 12
Issue 7
(07 06 2020)
ISSN: 1999-4915 [Electronic] Switzerland |
PMID | 32640516
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Biomarkers, Tumor
(immunology)
- Endogenous Retroviruses
(genetics, immunology)
- Genome, Viral
(genetics)
- Humans
- Immunotherapy
(methods)
- Neoplasms
(immunology, therapy, virology)
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