Ins and Outs of Reovirus: Vesicular Trafficking in Viral Entry and Egress

Cell entry and egress are essential steps in the viral life cycle that govern pathogenesis and spread. Mammalian orthoreoviruses (reoviruses) are nonenveloped viruses implicated in human disease that serve as tractable models for studies of pathogen–host interactions. In this review we discuss the function of intracellular vesicular transport systems in reovirus entry, trafficking, and egress and comment on shared themes for diverse viruses. Designing strategic therapeutic interventions that impede these steps in viral replication requires a detailed understanding of mechanisms by which viruses coopt vesicular trafficking. We illuminate such targets, which may foster development of antiviral agents. Viruses coopt cellular processes to complete critical steps in the infectious cycle.Understanding mechanisms underlying viral exploitation of cellular pathways and organelles is key to designing safe and effective antiviral therapeutics.Membranous organelles and trafficking pathways are repurposed by several viruses during both cell entry and egress.Cellular membrane and cytoskeletal components direct multiple pathways of reovirus entry and egress, including endocytosis, macropinocytosis, apoptosis, and nonlytic release by membranous carriers.Emerging knowledge of nonlytic egress by nonenveloped viruses, including reoviruses, contributes to changing paradigms in understanding viral pathogenesis.