Viruses: Genetically encoded alarm messages for communication between individuals

Abstract

According to the present alert information theory, viruses are not microorganisms external to our body, but their genetic material is already contained in the DNA/ RNA of our cells, in what we know as Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs). A virus would actually be an Exogenous Cellular Gene Secretion (ECGS) carrying alert information that would be produced by cells under stress. They are made up of DNA or RNA genes wrapped in a protein capsule and, in some cases, a protective membrane. Such coatings would allow them to withstand the conditions of displacement within the organism, or between different individuals, and possess a form of binding to transmit their information to a specific recipient cell. Finally, the Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) secreted after the entry of these ECGS in the target cells, would perform, among other functions, that of second messengers of the viral message from abroad, defining the immune response of the receptor. *Correspondence to: Alejandro Sousa, Department of Urology, Monforte Regional Hospital, Lugo, Spain, E-mail: sousa-alejandro@hotmail.com