The virology and developments toward control of human enterovirus 71

Abstract

Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a member of the Enterovirus genus in the Picornaviridae family, was first recognized as a dermotrophic virus that usually cause mild, self-limiting hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD). However, EV71 infection can sometimes induce a variety of severe neurological complications and even death. Current large outbreaks of EV71 make this virus being a major public health issue. Intense effort has been made to address its underlying pathogenesis and to develop effective means for combating EV71 infections. Here, we aimed to provide an overview of cellular mechanisms underlying EV71 infection and to assess potential agents for prevention and treatment of EV71 infections.

Keywords::

• EV71
• Virology
• Antiviral

Acknowledgement

This study was supported in part by a commissioned grant from Research Grant Council (RGC, CUHK4428/06M), and the Research fund for Control of Infectious Diseases (CU-09-02-03), Food and Health Bureau, the Government of Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR).

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.