Molecular dissection of HERV-W dependent microglial- and astroglial cell polarization.

The endogenous retrovirus type W (HERV-W) is a human-specific entity, which was initially discovered in multiple sclerosis (MS) patient derived cells. We initially found that the HERV-W envelope (ENV) protein negatively affects oligodendrogenesis and controls microglial cell polarization towards a myelinated axon associated and damaging phenotype. Such first functional assessments were conducted ex vivo, given the human-specific origin of HERV-W.

Endocannabinoid regulation in the cervix during pregnancy: insights into molecular mechanisms of premature labor.

In Brief: The cervix plays a crucial role not only in the maintenance of pregnancy but also during delivery, when it undergoes extensive changes. This study highlights the involvement of the endocannabinoidome in cervical remodeling, emphasizing its relevance in the shift from a nonpregnant to pregnant state and its potential contribution to preterm delivery in inflammatory contexts.

Abstract: During pregnancy, the main role of the cervix is to isolate the fetus from outside pathogens and maintain the relatively closed system of uterine gestation.

Transgenic expression of the HERV-W envelope protein leads to polarized glial cell populations and a neurodegenerative environment.

The human endogenous retrovirus type W (HERV-W) has been identified and repeatedly confirmed as human-specific pathogenic entity affecting many cell types in multiple sclerosis (MS). Our recent contributions revealed the encoded envelope (ENV) protein to disturb myelin repair by interfering with oligodendroglial precursor differentiation and by polarizing microglial cells toward an axon-damage phenotype. Indirect proof of ENV's antiregenerative and degenerative activities has been gathered recently in clinical trials using a neutralizing anti-ENV therapeutic antibody.

Interplay between activation of endogenous retroviruses and inflammation as common pathogenic mechanism in neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Human endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are ancestorial retroviral elements that were integrated into our genome through germline infections and insertions during evolution. They have repeatedly been implicated in the aetiology and pathophysiology of numerous human disorders, particularly in those that affect the central nervous system. In addition to the known association of ERVs with multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a growing number of studies links the induction and expression of these retroviral elements with the onset and severity of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.

Susceptibility and resilience to maternal immune activation are associated with differential expression of endogenous retroviral elements.

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are ancestorial retroviral elements that were integrated into the mammalian genome through germline infections and insertions during evolution. While increased ERV expression has been repeatedly implicated in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, recent evidence suggests that aberrant endogenous retroviral activity may contribute to biologically defined subgroups of psychotic disorders with persisting immunological dysfunctions. Here, we explored whether ERV expression is altered in a mouse model of maternal immune activation (MIA), a transdiagnostic environmental risk factor of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.