Enteric viruses exploit the microbiota to promote infection

Abstract

Enteric viruses infect the mammalian gastrointestinal tract which is home to a diverse community of intestinal bacteria. Accumulating evidence suggests that certain enteric viruses utilize these bacteria to promote infection. While this is not surprising considering their proximity, multiple viruses from different viral families have been shown to bind directly to bacteria or bacterial components to aid in viral replication, pathogenesis, and transmission. These data suggest that the concept of a single virus infecting a single cell, independent of the environment, needs to be reevaluated. In this review, I will discuss the current knowledge of enteric virus-bacterial interactions and discuss the implications for viral pathogenesis and transmission.

Figure 1.

Bacteria promote enteric virus infection. (A) The binding of bacteria to poliovirus and reovirus enhance thermostability. For poliovirus, enhanced thermostability limits premature release of viral RNA. Poliovirus and reovirus adapted from PBD 1HXS and 2CSE respectively. (B) Bacteria increase poliovirus binding to the poliovirus receptor on permissive cells. (C) Poliovirus bound to bacteria increase co-infection and genetic recombination between progeny virions. (D) MMTV bound to LPS induce an antiviral response to allow for viral persistence.