Microglia activation by derepression of endogenous retroviruses drives inflammation and cellular senescence

Nature Neuroscience, Published online: 17 August 2026; doi:10.1038/s41593-026-02404-y

Reawakening of endogenous retroviruses due to loss of chromatin compaction causes microglia to acquire aging-associated features, leading to perturbed tissue homeostasis and behavior.