Host factors associated with protection against rotavirus disease: the skies are clearing

Over the past several years, a number of studies have clarified aspects of rotavirus immunology and vaccinology previously considered controversial. In this review, studies that address the following questions will be summarized: Which host factors are responsible for recovery from acute rotavirus infection? Are the host factors responsible for recovery from acute infection the same as those necessary for prevention of infection? What is the relative importance of the nature of the inoculum (e.g., homologous or heterologous host virus and live or inactivated virus), route of inoculation, or virus serotype in vaccine development? What is the immunologic basis by which infection with 1 viral serotype protects against challenge with another serotype (heterotypic protection)?