Rotaviruses

Recent advances of rotavirus (RV) basic and applied research are reviewed. They consist of determination of the RV particle structure and functions of structural proteins, classification into genotypes based on whole genome analyses, description of the RV genome and gene protein assignments, description of the viral replication cycle and of functions of RV-encoded non-structural proteins as well as cellular proteins and cellular organelles involved, the present status of RV genetics and reverse genetics, molecular determinants of pathogenesis and pathophysiology, the RV-specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, innate immune responses and correlates of protection, laboratory diagnosis, differential diagnosis and present status of treatment, the molecular epidemiology and mechanisms of evolution of RVs, the development and universal application of RV vaccines as well as issues arising from present universal RV vaccination programs and work on alternative vaccines. The review concludes by presenting problems requiring further exploration and perspectives of future basic and translational research.