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Polyomavirus Persistence

Michael J Imperiale1, Mengxi Jiang2

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109;

Annual Review of Virology
|August 9, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Mammalian polyomaviruses cause persistent infections, but their reactivation mechanisms remain unclear. This review summarizes current knowledge on these viruses, highlighting gaps in understanding human polyomavirus persistence.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Mammalian polyomaviruses establish persistent infections in healthy individuals.
  • Disease manifestation typically occurs in immunocompromised hosts.
  • Decades after discovery, mechanisms of viral persistence and reactivation are poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current state of knowledge on mammalian polyomaviruses.
  • To identify gaps in understanding viral persistence and reactivation.
  • To suggest future research directions for human polyomaviruses.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on mammalian polyomaviruses.
  • Analysis of data from mouse polyomavirus research.
  • Inference of human polyomavirus behavior from related studies.

Main Results:

  • Limited understanding of the specific mechanisms governing polyomavirus persistence and reactivation.
  • Mouse polyomavirus is relatively well-studied compared to human counterparts.
  • Knowledge on human polyomaviruses is largely extrapolated.

Conclusions:

  • Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding mammalian polyomavirus persistence and reactivation.
  • Further targeted research is needed, particularly for human polyomaviruses.
  • Understanding these viruses is crucial for managing opportunistic infections.
Keywords:
persistencepolyomavirusreactivation

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