Updated project metadata. IL6-STAT3 is a canonical pro-inflammatory pathway that is highly related to temperature fluctuation and viral infection. Our understanding concerning how the crosstalk between IL6-STAT3 signaling axis and environmental temperature determines viral infection remains rudimentary. Employing an aquatic reovirus infection in ectotherms as a model system, we delineated a pivotal role of IL6-STAT3-HSP90 signaling axis in temperature dependent pathogenesis through interacting with viral capsid proteins to promote viral entry.