[Possible involvement of a recently discovered human retrovirus in idiopathic immunologic disorders, including Sjögren syndrome (autoimmune exocrinopathy)].

Recent studies have suggested that newly-discovered human retroviruses may contribute to the pathogenesis of several immunological diseases. We linked a human intracisternal A-type retroviral particle (HIAP) to systemic autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren's Syndrome. A-type retroviruses are envelope-deficient, a property that may contribute to their pathobiology and epidemiology. Potential mechanisms by which a defective retrovirus could induce immune dysfunctions are discussed.