Regulation of human endogenous retrovirus W protein expression by herpes simplex virus type 1: Implications for multiple sclerosis

Abstract

The multiple sclerosis–associated retrovirus (MSRV), originally identified in cell cultures from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), is closely related to the human endogenous retrovirus family W (HERV-W). Recently, HERV-W gag and env protein expression was demonstrated in MS lesions in situ. Here, the authors show that HERV-W gag and env proteins are induced by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in neuronal and brain endothelial cells in vitro. The transactivation of HERV-W proteins by HSV-1 could enhance their potential oligodendrotoxic and immunopathogenic effects, representing a mechanism by which HSV-1, and possibly also other herpesviruses associated with MS, may be linked to the pathogenesis of this disease.

Keywords:

• cerebral endothelial cells
• herpes simplex virus type 1
• human endogenous retrovirus W
• IMR-32
• multiple sclerosis

The authors would like to thank Monique Lafon, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France, for helpful advise during the early phase of this study. This work was supported by a grant (1.319.110/03/01) from the Gemeinnuetzige Hertie-Stiftung (KR and PR)