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. 2019;6(3):132-138.
doi: 10.1007/s40588-019-00121-8. Epub 2019 Jul 4.

Reovirus: Friend and Foe

Michael R Eledge  1 , Marcelle Dina Zita  1 , Karl W Boehme  1   2
Affiliations

Reovirus: Friend and Foe

Michael R Eledge et al. Curr Clin Microbiol Rep. 2019.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Mammalian orthoreovirus (reovirus) is a powerful tool for studying viral replication and pathogenesis. Most reovirus infections are subclinical, however recent work has catapulted reovirus into the clinical spotlight.

Recent findings: Owing to its capacity to kill cancer cells more efficiently than normal cells, reovirus is under development as a therapeutic for a variety of cancers. New efforts have focused on genetically engineering reovirus to increase its oncolytic capacity, and determining how reovirus potentiates immunotherapy. Other recent studies highlight a potential role for reovirus in celiac disease (CeD). Using mouse models of CeD, reovirus caused loss of oral tolerance to dietary antigens, opening the possibility that reovirus could trigger CeD in humans.

Summary: We will focus on new developments in reovirus oncolysis and studies suggesting a role for reovirus as a trigger for celiac disease (CeD) that make reovirus a potential friend and foe to human health.

Keywords: cancer; celiac disease; oncolytics; reovirus; type-1 interferon.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Michael R. Eledge, Marcelle Dina Zita, and Karl W. Boehme each declare no potential conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Schematic of the reovirus virion. The outer capsid (blue) and core (green) are indicated. The 10 segments of viral genomic dsRNA are shown in white.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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