Negative thymocyte selection to HERV-K18 superantigens in humans.

Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein LMP-2A is sufficient for transactivation of the human endogenous retrovirus HERV-K18 superantigen.

Superantigens are microbial proteins that strongly stimulate T cells. We described previously that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) transactivates a superantigen encoded by the human endogenous retrovirus, HERV-K18. We now report that the transactivation is dependent upon the EBV latent cycle proteins. Moreover, LMP-2A is sufficient for induction of HERV-K18 superantigen activity.

Brief Genetics Report Association of Human Endogenous Retrovirus K-18 Polymorphisms With Type 1 Diabetes

Several lines of evidence suggest the involvement of the human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-K18 in the etiology of type 1 diabetes. HERV-K18 encodes for a T-cell superantigen (SAg). T-cells with T-cell receptor V 7 chains reactive to the SAg and HERV-K18 mRNA were enriched in the tissues at the onset of the disease. HERV-K18 transcription and SAg function in cells capable of efficient presentat...

Murine V 3 and V 7 T Cell Subsets Are Specific Targets for the HERV-K18 Env Superantigen

Human endogenous retrovirus-K18 superantigen expression and human herpesvirus-6 and human herpesvirus-7 viral loads in chronic fatigue patients.

BACKGROUND Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex, heterogeneous disease characterized by debilitating fatigue that is not improved with bed rest and worsens after physical activity or mental exertion. Despite extensive research into a cause of CFS, no definitive etiology has been determined; however, a large percentage of CFS patients note an acute infectious event that triggers their fat...

Role of the Human Endogenous Retrovirus HERV-K18 in Autoimmune Disease Susceptibility: Study in the Spanish Population and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are genomic sequences that resulted from ancestral germ-line infections by exogenous retroviruses and therefore are transmitted in a Mendelian fashion. Increased HERV expression and antibodies to HERV antigens have been found in various autoimmune diseases. HERV-K18 in chromosome 1 was previously associated with type one diabetes and multiple scl...