Orthoreovirus

Orthoreovirus is a genus of viruses within the Reoviridae family. This large and diverse family of viruses infects a wide range of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.

The Reoviridae family includes several genera, with Orthoreovirus being one of the most well-studied. Orthoreoviruses have a segmented double-stranded RNA genome and 10-12 protein components. They exhibit a unique replication strategy, using a combination of transcription and translation to produce progeny viruses.

There are three distinct genera within the Orthoreovirus genus: Orthoreovirus, Moloney leukemavirus-like virus, and Rotavirus. Each genus is characterized by specific gene organization, replication strategies, and host ranges. Orthoreoviruses are typically transmitted through fecal-oral contact, although other modes of transmission may occur in certain species.

In mammals, orthoreoviruses have been found to cause a range of diseases, from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to severe autoimmune disorders. Notably, they have also been associated with chronic diseases, such as arthritis and respiratory infections. Research has primarily focused on the mechanisms of pathogenicity and the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Despite their disease-causing potential, orthoreoviruses have also been implicated in the regulation of the host immune system. Studies have shown that certain orthoreoviral proteins can modulate the response of the host immune system, either by promoting or suppressing specific immune responses. This highlights the complex and multifaceted role that orthoreoviruses play in the biology of their hosts.