Human endogenous retrovirus

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are a group of viruses within the human genome that are inherited by successive generations. They provided biological benefits as well as adverse health implications like autoimmune diseases and cancers. Recently, for the first time, researchers were able to prove that the activation of distinct human endogenous retroviruses can damage the developmental process of brain. This new study may help in the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.