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human endogenous retroviruses |
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human endogenous retroviruses (HERV), Retrovirus-like sequences found in the human genome, thought to constitute the remains of true retroviruses that were absorbed through evolution. At least one is thought to be linked to expression of tumor cells. They are also thought to be involved in autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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Molecular biologists have named such particles human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), though the term virus is misleading; some may be no more than harmless cell products, while others may even have a useful role. Unlike viruses for the common cold or those associated with AIDS, human endogenous retroviruses no longer bother with the tedious effort involved in infecting and taking over cells. In an independent search for new human endogenous retroviruses, Francois Mallet and his colleagues at the Ecole Normale Superieure in Lyon, France, also identified the gene for syncytin. |
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