Interactions between human immunodeficiency virus and human endogenous retroviruses

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a retrovirus of the Lentivirus genus, targets CD4+ T cells, causing immune dysfunction and AIDS. Approximately 8% of the human genome consists of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), ancient retroviral remnants that may interact with HIV. Despite antiretroviral therapy, challenges such as drug resistance, poor immune reconstitution (PIR), and reservoirs remain. This GEM discusses the impact of HIV on HERVs, the potential roles of HERVs in PIR and reservoirs, and provides insights into future research directions. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.