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Dynamics of Human Endogenous Retroviruses Expression, Proviral Load and Systemic Inflammatory Status Modulated by
Michelly Damasceno da Silva1, Pablo Fortunato da Silva1, Samuel Nascimento Santos1
1Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University, Rua Isabel Schimitt, 540, São Paulo 04743-030, Brazil.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 14, 2026
Summary
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) show increased proviral load with age. Regular exercise modulates HERV expression, while inactivity correlates with reduced expression and higher inflammation, suggesting an interplay between aging, inflammation, and retroviral activity.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Immunology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient retroviral sequences comprising approximately 8% of the human genome.
- While largely silenced, HERVs can be expressed and influence physiological and pathological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamics of HERV expression, proviral load, and systemic inflammation in young adults, inactive older adults, and regularly exercising older adults.
- To determine the impact of regular physical exercise on HERV expression and inflammatory markers.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to assess the expression of specific HERVs (HERV-W, -K, -H, Syncytin-1, -2).
- Proviral load was estimated using relative copy number analysis.
- Serum cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10) were quantified via ELISA.
Main Results:
- Older adults exhibited higher HERV proviral loads (HERV-K, -W, -H) compared to young controls.
- Inactive older adults showed reduced overall HERV expression (except HERV-K) and a pro-inflammatory cytokine profile (elevated IL-6/IL-10, IL-1β/IL-10, IFN-γ/IL-10 ratios).
- Regular exercise was associated with significantly increased expression of HERV-W, HERV-H, HERV-K, and Syncytin-1 compared to inactive older adults and young controls.
Conclusions:
- Aging is associated with increased HERV proviral load.
- Regular physical exercise actively modulates HERV expression patterns.
- Inactivity is linked to decreased HERV expression and heightened systemic inflammation, highlighting the intricate relationship between aging, inflammation, and endogenous retroviral activity.
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