The Impact of Zika Virus on Human Trophoblast Stem Cells and Placental Trophoblast Organoids
Introduction:
The Zika virus, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, gained global attention in 2015 due to its association with severe birth defects, particularly microcephaly, in infants born to infected mothers. The virus primarily targets neural progenitor cells in the developing brain, leading to impaired brain growth and development. However, recent research has shed light on another critical target of Zika virus infection – human trophoblast stem cells and placental trophoblast organoids. Understanding the impact of Zika virus on these cells is crucial for comprehending the mechanisms underlying placental infection and fetal damage.
Trophoblast Stem Cells:
Trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) are a specialized type of stem cell found in the placenta. They play a vital role in establishing and maintaining pregnancy by differentiating into various trophoblast cell types, including syncytiotrophoblasts and extravillous trophoblasts. Syncytiotrophoblasts form the outer layer of the placenta and facilitate nutrient and gas exchange between the mother and fetus. Extravillous trophoblasts invade the maternal decidua and remodel maternal blood vessels to ensure proper blood supply to the developing fetus.
Impact of Zika Virus on Trophoblast Stem Cells:
Studies have shown that Zika virus can infect and replicate within human TSCs. This infection leads to dysregulation of TSC differentiation, impairing their ability to differentiate into syncytiotrophoblasts and extravillous trophoblasts. Instead, infected TSCs exhibit increased proliferation and altered gene expression patterns, suggesting a disruption in normal placental development.
Placental Trophoblast Organoids:
Placental trophoblast organoids are three-dimensional structures derived from TSCs that mimic the architecture and functionality of the placenta. They provide a valuable model for studying placental development and disease. Recent research has utilized placental trophoblast organoids to investigate the impact of Zika virus infection on placental tissue.
Impact of Zika Virus on Placental Trophoblast Organoids:
Studies using placental trophoblast organoids have revealed that Zika virus infection leads to reduced organoid size, impaired syncytiotrophoblast formation, and altered gene expression profiles. The virus induces cell death in infected cells and triggers an inflammatory response, further contributing to placental dysfunction. These findings highlight the direct impact of Zika virus on placental tissue and its potential role in fetal damage.
Mechanisms of Zika Virus Infection in Trophoblast Cells:
Zika virus enters trophoblast cells through specific receptors, including AXL and Tyro3. Once inside the cell, the virus replicates and spreads to neighboring cells, leading to widespread infection. The virus also modulates various cellular pathways, including those involved in immune response and cell cycle regulation, to facilitate its replication and evade host defense mechanisms.
Conclusion:
The impact of Zika virus on human trophoblast stem cells and placental trophoblast organoids is a critical area of research that provides insights into the mechanisms underlying placental infection and fetal damage. Understanding these processes is crucial for developing strategies to prevent or mitigate the adverse effects of Zika virus on pregnancy outcomes. Further research is needed to unravel the intricate interactions between the virus and placental cells, ultimately leading to improved diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions for Zika virus-associated complications in pregnancy.
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- Source: Plato Data Intelligence.
- Source Link: https://platohealth.ai/zika-virus-targets-human-trophoblast-stem-cells-and-prevents-syncytialization-in-placental-trophoblast-organoids-nature-communications/