Advances in human norovirus research: Vaccines, genotype distribution and antiviral strategies

Norovirus, belonging to the Caliciviridae family, is a non-enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus. It is widely acknowledged as a significant etiological agent responsible for non-bacterial acute gastroenteritis and considered a major cause thereof. Norovirus is primarily tranmitted via fecal-oral route, but can also be transmitted via airborne routes. Clinical manifestations often include symptoms associated with acute gastroenteritis, like nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and others. Due to the specific pathogenic mechanism of the virus, and genomic diversity, there are currently no preventive vaccines or effective antiviral drugs available for treating norovirus-induced acute gastroenteritis infections. The management of such infections mainly relies on oral rehydration therapy while prevention necessitates adherence to personal hygiene measures.

The present paper discusses the nature, transmission route, clinical manifestations, immune response mechanism, and vaccine research of Norovirus. The objective of this review manuscript is to systematically gather, analyze, and summarize recent research and investigations on norovirus in order to enhance our understanding of its characteristics and pathogenesis. This not only facilitates subsequent researchers in acquiring a more expedited and comprehensive grasp of the existing knowledge about norovirus but also provides clearer directions and goals for future studies.