Human Endogenous Retrovirus W Env Increases Nitric Oxide Production and Enhances the Migration Ability of Microglia by Regulating the Expression of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase

Overview

Journal Virol Sin

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2017 Jun 29

PMID 28656540

Citations 24

Authors

Ran Xiao

Shan Li

Qian Cao

Xiuling Wang

Qiujin Yan

Xiaoning Tu

Ying Zhu

Fan Zhu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Human endogenous retrovirus W env (HERV-W env) plays a critical role in many neuropsychological diseases such as schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis (MS). These diseases are accompanied by immunological reactions in the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia are important immunocytes in brain inflammation that can produce a gasotransmitter-nitric oxide (NO). NO not only plays a role in the function of neuronal cells but also participates in the pathogenesis of various neuropsychological diseases. In this study, we reported increased NO production in CHME-5 microglia cells after they were transfected with HERV-W env. Moreover, HERV-W env increased the expression and function of human inducible nitric oxide synthase (hiNOS) and enhanced the promoter activity of hiNOS. Microglial migration was also enhanced. These data revealed that HERV-W env might contribute to increase NO production and microglial migration ability in neuropsychological disorders by regulating the expression of inducible NOS. Results from this study might lead to the identification of novel targets for the treatment of neuropsychological diseases, including neuroinflammatory diseases, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases.

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