Reovirus

Abstract

Mammalian orthoreoviruses are nonenveloped dsRNA viruses that infect most mammals including humans and mice. Following oral inoculation of newborn mice, reovirus disseminates to the CNS and produces a nonlethal hydrocephalus or a lethal encephalitis, depending on the virus strain. This strain-dependent manifestation of reovirus disease coupled with the availability of a reverse genetics system has enabled the identification of virus and host determinants of reovirus neuropathogenesis and elucidated mechanisms of reovirus receptor binding, internalization, uncoating, cell injury, dissemination, and disease. This chapter will describe key features of reovirus neuropathogenesis and provide perspectives for future research.