Reovirus: Friend and Foe
Michael R Eledge1, Marcelle Dina Zita1, Karl W Boehme1,2
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR.
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.
Insights
Mammalian orthoreovirus (reovirus) shows dual potential: it effectively targets cancer cells for therapy and may trigger celiac disease (CeD) by disrupting oral tolerance, highlighting its complex role in human health.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Mammalian orthoreovirus (reovirus) is a significant tool for studying viral replication and pathogenesis.
- While most reovirus infections are subclinical, recent research has increased its clinical relevance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in reovirus oncolysis for cancer therapy.
- To explore the emerging role of reovirus in celiac disease (CeD) pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on reovirus oncolysis and immunotherapy.
- Analysis of studies using mouse models to investigate reovirus's effect on oral tolerance in celiac disease.
Main Results:
- Reovirus demonstrates oncolytic capacity, killing cancer cells more effectively than normal cells, and is being developed as a cancer therapeutic.
- Genetically engineered reovirus aims to enhance its oncolytic potential and its synergy with immunotherapy.
- Studies in mouse models suggest reovirus can induce loss of oral tolerance to dietary antigens, indicating a potential role in triggering celiac disease.
Conclusions:
- Reovirus exhibits a dual role as a potential therapeutic agent against cancer and a potential trigger for celiac disease.
- Further research into reovirus oncolysis and its immunomodulatory effects is crucial.
- Understanding reovirus's role in CeD pathogenesis may lead to new insights into autoimmune disease triggers.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses
Viral Recombination
Viruses with RNA Genomes
Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
Introduction to Virus


