Placenta formation by human endogenous retrovirus is inhibited by interferons

Objective: The human endogenous retrovirus (HERV)-encoded Syncytin-1 plays a major role in trophoblast cell fusion and thereby placenta development. This gene encodes a retroviral envelope glycoprotein. On the other hand, envelope viral infection is generally inhibited by interferons. Infection of pregnant women induces fetal death as related to interferon production. However, the relationship between interferons and Syncytin in placenta development is unknown. Interferon inducible restriction factor (IGRF) may participate in the interferon-induced fetal death, because we have recently shown that IGRF inhibited virus infection by reduction of envelope protein.

Source: Placenta - November 1, 2017 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Mai Izumida Source Type: research