Development of human endogenous retrovirus type K‐ related treatments for human diseases

Abstract

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) constitute approximately 8% of the human genome and have long been regarded as silent passengers within our genomes. However, the reactivation of HERVs has been increasingly linked to a range of human diseases, particularly the HERV‐K (HML‐2) family. Many studies are dedicated to elucidating the potential role of HERV‐K in pathogenicity. While the underlying mechanisms require further investigation, targeting HERV‐K transactivation emerges as a promising avenue for treating human diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and infectious diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advancements in the development of HERV‐K‐targeted therapeutic strategies against various human diseases, including antiretroviral drugs, immunotherapy, and vaccines.