Current perspective on the impact of endogenous retroviruses in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Human endogenous retroviruses (hERVs) have emerged as a mechanism for tumor development and progression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Increased expression of various hERVs has been reported in ccRCC with associated activation of anti-tumor immune responses. Retrospective analysis of hERV expression in human ccRCC tumor tissue suggests hERV expression may be associated with improved response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, the use of expression to predict response is limited by our ability to annotate and detect hERV expression. This review discusses the biology of hERVs, their role in ccRCC, and the possible impact on ccRCC response to immunotherapy.