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Monika Walchner, MD; Christine Leib-Mösch, PhD; Gerald Messer, MD; Herbert Germaier, PhD; Gerd Plewig, MD; Peter Kind, MD

Arch Dermatol. 1997;133(6):767-771.

Abstract
Objectives
To update information on endogenous retroviral sequences and discuss their role in systemic autoimmune disease.

Data Sources
Articles retrieved after MEDLINE search and personal communications and cooperation with the Institute of Virology.

Data Synthesis
There are 2 modes of pathogenetic mechanisms through which endogenous retroviral sequences could cause systemic autoimmune disease: expression of endogenous retroviral gene products sharing antigenic determinants with cellular proteins; and activation or destruction of cellular genes as a consequence of insertional mutagenesis. Both mechanisms have been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo in animal models.

Conclusion
Investigations on endogenous retroviral sequences in humans may offer new insights into the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease.

Arch Dermatol. 1997;133:767-771

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Dermatology, Ludwig-Maximilians-universität München, Munich, Germany (Drs Walchner, Messer, Germaier, Plewig, and Kind); III Medical Clinic, Klinikum Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany (Dr Leib-Mösch); and GSF-National Research Center for Environment and Health, Institute of Molecular Virology, Neuherberg, Germany (Drs Leib-Mösch and Germaier).

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