A tale of antiviral counterattacks in rotavirus infection

Abstract

Human rotaviruses are the utmost etiologic agents of infantile gastroenteritis in children under five years of age. To reduce childhood morbidity and mortality caused by this rotavirus infection, numerous efforts are being made worldwide in the form of better and universal immunisation programmes. Though few vaccines are in action, the lack of approved antiviral agents that have potential combative effects against the rotavirus infection in the host, remains a point of concern. This review focuses on recent insights into the development of naturally derived, RNA-silencing-based drug substances that show their anti-rotaviral activities by targeting and influencing different host and/or viral factors that contribute directly or indirectly to successful viral pathogenesis.

Keywords: Antiviral; MicroRNA; RNAi; Rotavirus; Virus-host interaction.