About 8% of our genome is composed of sequences with viral origin, namely human
Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs). HERVs are relics of ancient infections that affected the …

Recent studies have uncovered myriad viral sequences that are integrated
or'endogenized'in the genomes of various eukaryotes. Surprisingly, it appears that not just …

Viruses that cause chronic infection constitute a stable but little-recognized part of our
metagenome: our virome. Ongoing immune responses hold these chronic viruses at bay …

Superantigens (SAgs) are the most powerful T cell mitogens ever discovered.
Concentrations of less than 0· 1 pg/ml of a bacterial superantigen are sufficient to stimulate …

The mammalian virome includes diverse commensal and pathogenic viruses that evoke a
broad range of immune responses from the host. Sustained viral immunomodulation is …

The relationship between infections and autoimmunity as well as the risk of infections due to
antirheumatic agents, including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and biologics, are …

Type 1 diabetes results from the destruction of pancreatic beta cells. Genetic factors are
believed to be a major component for the development of type 1diabetes, but the …

Superantigens (SAgs) are proteins produced by pathogenic microbes to elicit potent,
antigen-independent T cell responses that are believed to enhance the microbes' …

Retroelements constitute approximately 45% of the human genome. Long interspersed
nuclear element (LINE) autonomous retrotransposons are predominantly represented by …

The composition of the human microbiome is considered a major source of interindividual
variation in immunity and, by extension, susceptibility to diseases. Intestinal bacteria have …