Oncolytic Reoviruses: Can These Emerging Zoonotic Reoviruses Be Tamed and Utilized?

Orthoreovirus is a nonenveloped double-stranded RNA virus under the Reoviridae family. This group of viruses, especially mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV), are reported with great therapeutic values due to their oncolytic effects. In this review, the life cycle and oncolytic effect of MRV and a few emerging reoviruses were summarized. This article also highlights the challenges and strategies of utilizing MRV and the emerging reoviruses, avian orthoreovirus (ARV) and pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV), as oncolytic viruses (OVs). Besides, the emergence of potential ARV and PRV as OVs were discussed in comparison to MRV. Finally, the risk of reovirus as zoonosis or reverse zoonosis (zooanthroponosis) were debated, and concerns were raised in this article, which warrant continue surveillance of reovirus (MRV, ARV, and PRV) in animals, humans, and the environment.

Automated summary

This article reviews the life cycle and oncolytic effects of mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV) and a few emerging reoviruses. It also discusses the challenges and strategies of utilizing MRV, avian orthoreovirus (ARV), and pteropine orthoreovirus (PRV) as oncolytic viruses. Furthermore, the potential of ARV and PRV as oncolytic viruses is compared to MRV. The article also raises concerns about the zoonotic or reverse zoonotic risks of reovirus (MRV, ARV, and PRV) and emphasizes the need for continued surveillance in animals, humans, and the environment.