[Orthoreoviruses: are they pathogenic for man?]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology

Context:

• Orthoreoviruses are ubiquitous segmented double-stranded RNA viruses.
• While often considered non-pathogenic, they are linked to respiratory and enteric origins.
• Three serotypes (1, 2, and 3) are recognized.

Purpose:

• To investigate the pathogenic potential of orthoreoviruses.
• To identify viral components and cellular mechanisms involved in orthoreovirus-induced diseases.
• To understand the complex mechanisms of orthoreovirus virulence.

Summary:

• Orthoreoviruses, despite their name suggesting non-pathogenicity, have been isolated from fatal human diseases, including encephalitis and meningitis.
• In animals, orthoreovirus infections can lead to encephalitis and hepatitis, depending on the serotype and inoculation route.
• The M2 and S1 RNA segments are suggested to play a role in neurovirulence, influencing cellular processes like viral entry, replication, and apoptosis.

Impact:

• Highlights the potential pathogenicity of orthoreoviruses in both humans and animals.
• Identifies key viral RNA segments (M2, S1) associated with neurovirulence.
• Underscores the need for further research into the complex mechanisms of orthoreovirus virulence and pathogenesis.