bioRxiv ScienceSearch

Biology subjects

Martinez, L. E.

Publications and source records attributed to Martinez, L. E..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

Pathogenesis of Zika Virus Infection via Rectal Route

Introduction Introduction Methods Competing interests References Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus originally confined to Africa and Asia that has spread to islands located in Southeast Asia, and most recently to the Americas and the Caribbean. Approximately 80% of infected individuals are asymptomatic, while the remaining infected population exhibit mild febrile syndrome such as rash, conjunctivitis, and arthralgia. In some adults, ZIKV causes neurotropic Guillain-Barre syndrome1. Vertical transmission of ZIKV in infected mothers causes fetal growth restriction, microcephaly, and congenital eye disease2-5. Cases of ZIKV sexual transmission from male to female6-8, male to male9, ...

microbiology

Modeling Zika Virus Congenital Eye Disease: Differential Susceptibility of Fetal Retinal Progenitor Cells and iPSC-Derived Retinal Stem Cells to Zika Virus Infection

Zika virus (ZIKV) causes microcephaly and congenital eye disease that is characterized by macular pigment mottling, macular atrophy, and loss of foveal reflex. The cell and molecular basis of congenital ZIKV infection are not well understood. Here, we utilized a biologically relevant cell-based system on human fetal retinal pigment epithelial cells (FRPE) and iPSC-derived retinal stem cells (iRSCs) to model ZIKV-ocular cell injury processes. FRPEs were highly susceptible to ZIKV, resulting in apoptosis and decreased viability, whereas iRSCs showed reduced susceptibility. Transcriptomics and proteomics analyses of infected FRPE cells revealed the activation of innate immune and inflammatory response genes, and dysregulation of cell survival pathways, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, phagocytosis, and particle internalization. Nucleoside analogue drug treatment inhibited ZIKV replication and prevented apoptosis. In conclusion, ZIKV affects ocular cells of different developmental stages resulting in cellular injury and death, further providing molecular insight into the pathogenesis of congenital eye disease.

microbiology