Koala retrovirus (KoRV): molecular biology and evolution
Abstract
The koala retrovirus (KoRV) is in transition between occurring as an exogenous retrovirus spread by infection and becoming an endogenous retrovirus spread primarily as part of the host germ line. While up to 10% of mammalian genomes are composed of such endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), KoRV is the only known example of a retrovirus in the process of making this transition. Thus, it presents a singular opportunity to study the host-pathogen interactions involved during retroviral invasion of a vertebrate germ line.
