Download MendeleyThe prefusion structure of the HERV-K (HML-2) Env spike complex.
Shaked, R., Katz, M., Cohen-Dvashi, H., Diskin, R.(2025) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 122: e2505505122-e2505505122
- PubMed: 40632556
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2505505122
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
9NND - PubMed Abstract:
The human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) is a retrovirus that got assimilated into the human genome in ancient times and has been inherited in our germline ever since. It enters cells using a class-I spike protein (Env) that mediates receptor recognition and membrane fusion. On top of having a biological role during development, HERV-K is activated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, various cancers, and other pathological conditions. Antibodies that target the HERV-K spike complex have therapeutic value, flagging the spike as a novel drug target. Here, we use cryo-EM to determine the trimeric structure of the HERV-K spike. The spike presents a distinct structure, which substantially differs from other class-I fusogens. Nevertheless, some general architectural features suggest a common origin with other retroviruses. The ability to structurally characterize the HERV-K spike may facilitate the development of antibody-based therapies.
Organizational Affiliation:
Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
