Reovirus

Reovirus is a genus of double-stranded RNA viruses in the family Reoviridae. The name "reovirus" is derived from respiratory enteric orphan virus, reflecting the fact that the virus is not associated with any known disease, and it was isolated from the respiratory and enteric systems. Reoviruses are non-enveloped and have an icosahedral capsid.

Structure

Reoviruses have a double-layered capsid and a genome consisting of 10-12 segments of double-stranded RNA. The outer capsid is removed in the host cell's cytoplasm, leaving the inner capsid to carry out transcription and replication.

Replication

Reoviruses replicate in the cytoplasm of the host cell. The virus enters the cell through receptor-mediated endocytosis. The outer capsid is removed, and the inner capsid carries out transcription and replication. The newly synthesized viral proteins and genomes are assembled into new virions in the cytoplasm.

Pathogenesis

Although reoviruses are not typically associated with disease, they can cause mild respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms in humans. In animals, reoviruses can cause severe disease, including fatal encephalitis in mice and respiratory disease in birds.

Research

Reoviruses are used extensively in research because they are easy to grow in the lab and their replication cycle is well understood. They are also being investigated as potential oncolytic agents, as they can selectively kill cancer cells.

See also

• Virus
• Reoviridae
• Oncolytic virus