The role of endogenous retroviruses in neurodegenerative diseases

It is well known that neurodegenerative diseases are linked to the misfolding of certain proteins, but the mechanisms underlying the dissemination of protein aggregates between cells remain poorly understood. Studies have shown that endogenous retroviruses, remnants of past viral infections, are upregulated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Charcot’s disease. In this study, researchers demonstrated that these endogenous retroviruses contribute to the intercellular spread of protein aggregates, particularly Tau protein aggregates. This process can be inhibited by targeting the viral envelope protein or other viral proteins. Certain antiviral drugs could be promising candidates for inhibiting the propagation of protein aggregates.