Zika Virus Causes Testis Damage and Leads to Male Infertility in Mice

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Zika virus (ZIKV) is known to persist in human semen, a unique characteristic among flaviviruses.
• The impact of ZIKV on male reproductive organs and the potential for long-term consequences like infertility remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of ZIKV infection on the male reproductive system in a mouse model.
• To identify specific cell types within the testes and epididymis that are susceptible to ZIKV infection and contribute to the immune response.

Main Methods:

• Adult male mice were infected with ZIKV.
• Histopathological analysis of testes, epididymis, prostate, and seminal vesicles was performed at 60 days post-infection.
• Immunohistochemistry and cytokine/chemokine profiling were used to assess innate immune responses in different testicular cell types.

Main Results:

• ZIKV infection induced inflammation in the testes and epididymis, but not in the prostate or seminal vesicles.
• Significant testicular damage was observed 60 days post-infection.
• Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and epididymal epithelial cells mounted an innate immune response with pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine production.
• Peritubular cells and spermatogonia showed limited cytokine production, suggesting they may serve as viral reservoirs.

Conclusions:

• ZIKV infection can cause significant inflammation and damage to the testes in mice.
• Specific testicular cell populations are vulnerable to ZIKV, potentially serving as viral reservoirs.
• These findings suggest a correlation between ZIKV infection and male reproductive damage, potentially leading to infertility.