Figure 2.

Therapeutic possibilities to target tumor cells with active human endogenous retroviruses. Expressed Env proteins may be targeted by therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. (Re-) activation of retroelement-controlling proteins may help to reduce human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) activities. Small molecule inhibitors of HERV proteins or inhibitory targeting of expressed HERV sequences potentially will prevent oncogenic properties of HERV and harm or kill tumor cells with activated HERV oncogenesis. HERV proteins with tumor-specific antigen properties can be targeted by specific T cells. LTR: Long terminal repeat; MHC: Major histocompatibility complex.