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Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Zika Virus Infectious Cell Culture System and the In Vitro Prophylactic Effect of Interferons
Published on: August 23, 2016
Replication of Zika Virus in Human Prostate Cells: A Potential Source of Sexually Transmitted Virus
Jennifer L Spencer1, Anismrita Lahon1, Linda L Tran2,3
1Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology.
Background:
While Zika virus (ZIKV) is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes, numerous cases of sexual transmission have been reported during recent outbreaks. Little is known about which host cell types or entry factors aid in mediating this sexual transmission.
Methods:
In this study, we investigated ZIKV cell tropism by infecting 2 types of human prostate cells with 3 contemporary ZIKV isolates from persons infected in the Americas. We used real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence analyses to measure infection and flow cytometry to detect entry factor expression.
Results:
Here we show that ZIKV infects, replicates, and produces infectious virus in prostate stromal mesenchymal stem cells, epithelial cells, and organoids made with a combination of these cells. We also show that prostate cells express several well-characterized flavivirus attachment factors. In contrast, dengue virus does not infect or does not replicate in these prostate cells, although it is known to use similar receptors.
Conclusions:
Our results indicate that ZIKV favors infection of stromal cells more so than epithelial cells in organoids, possibly indicating a preference for stem cells in general. Overall, these results suggest that ZIKV replication occurs in the human prostate and can account for ZIKV secretion in semen, thus leading to sexual transmission.
Insights
Zika virus (ZIKV) infects and replicates in human prostate cells, including stem cells. This finding explains how ZIKV is secreted in semen, leading to sexual transmission.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Human Health
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) is primarily mosquito-borne, but sexual transmission is a documented concern.
- The specific host cells and entry factors involved in ZIKV sexual transmission remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ZIKV tropism within human prostate cells.
- To identify potential cellular mechanisms underlying ZIKV sexual transmission.
Main Methods:
- Infection of human prostate stromal mesenchymal stem cells and epithelial cells with contemporary ZIKV isolates.
- Real-time quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence for infection assessment.
- Flow cytometry to analyze flavivirus attachment factor expression.
Main Results:
- ZIKV successfully infected, replicated in, and produced infectious virus from prostate stromal mesenchymal stem cells, epithelial cells, and organoids.
- Prostate cells express known flavivirus attachment factors.
- Dengue virus, using similar receptors, did not infect these prostate cells.
Conclusions:
- ZIKV demonstrates a tropism for prostate stromal cells over epithelial cells in organoid models, suggesting a potential preference for stem cells.
- ZIKV replication within the human prostate provides a mechanism for ZIKV presence in semen.
- These findings support the prostate as a reservoir for ZIKV, contributing to sexual transmission.
