Viruses and the Microbiota

Abstract

Every surface of the human body is colonized by a diverse microbial community called the microbiota, yet the impact of this community on viruses is unclear. Recent research has advanced our understanding of how microbiota influence viral infection. Microbiota inhibit infection by some viruses and promote infection by others. These effects can occur through direct and/or indirect effects on the host and/or the virus. This review examines the known effects and mechanisms by which microbiota influence mammalian virus infections. Furthermore, we suggest strategies for future research on how microbiota impact viruses. Overall, microbiota may influence a wide array of viruses through diverse mechanisms, making the study of virus-microbiota interactions a fertile area for future investigation.