Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have not been able to completely elucidate the genetic background of complex diseases. Part of it could lie in repetitive sequences not studied in the GWAS, as those corresponding to Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs). In the present work, we aim to review the potential role of HERVs in the etiology of autoimmune diseases, especially in multiple sclerosis (MS); their potential pathogenic role and their putative consideration as a good target for new treatments. For this purpose, we carried out an in-depth literature review on HERVs, and we integrated our previous findings about HERV-W, HERV-K18, and HERV-Fc1 and MS susceptibility. The study was carried out by a systematic search from electronic databases using the keywords “HERV,” “Multiple sclerosis,” “HERV-W,” “MSRV,” “HERV-K,” “HERV-Fc1,” and “GNbAC1.”
Part of the book: Advances in Molecular Retrovirology