Bridging two kingdoms: binding interactions between enteric viruses and intestinal bacteria

Enteric viruses are major causes of gastrointestinal disease worldwide and are primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Upon entering the gastrointestinal tract, these viruses encounter the dense and diverse population of intestinal microbiota, leading to frequent interactions with commensal bacteria. Over the past decade, numerous studies have demonstrated that bacteria can enhance enteric viral replication, stability, and overall pathogenesis. Although direct binding interactions between enteric viruses and bacteria have been observed, the molecular determinants governing these interactions remain poorly understood. Defining the viral and bacterial factors that mediate binding is, therefore, critical for understanding how bacteria can influence viral infection, transmission, and disease. Here, in this minireview, we summarize the current findings on enteric viral-bacterial interactions, with a focus on the mechanisms of viral binding to bacteria and the implications of these interactions on enteric virus pathogenesis and transmission.