immune response

How the Viruses Within Us Protect Us From Other Viruses

3 Comments / Basic virology, Gertrud Rey / By

by Gertrud U. Rey Did you know that eight percent of the human genome consists of DNA sequences that are derived from retroviruses? These “endogenous retroviruses” (ERVs) represent concrete evidence for retroviral infections that occurred in our ancestors. Although ERVs have no viral activity, an accumulating body of evidence suggests that they are not entirely …

How the Viruses Within Us Protect Us From Other Viruses Read More »

Gut microbes influence defense against influenza

5 Comments / Basic virology, Information / By

The bacteria in our intestines outnumber by tenfold the 100 trillion cells that comprise the human body. This gut microbiota has many beneficial functions, including the production of vitamins and hormones, fermentation, regulation of gut development, and shaping intestinal immune responses. They also play a role in pathological conditions such as diabetes and obesity, and …

Gut microbes influence defense against influenza Read More »

Scroll to Top