Zika Virus Persistently and Productively Infects Primary Adult Sensory Neurons In Vitro
Brianna K Swartwout1, Marta G Zlotnick2, Ashley E Saver3
1Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA. bkswart@vt.edu.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 14, 2017
Summary
Zika virus (ZIKV) infects sensory neurons, potentially explaining long-term shedding in bodily fluids. This infection also destroys surrounding glial cells, possibly contributing to Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) has emerged globally, linked to congenital abnormalities and Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
- The source of persistent ZIKV shedding in biological secretions remains unclear despite known sexual transmission and presence in various bodily fluids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular mechanisms underlying persistent Zika virus shedding.
- To determine the tropism of ZIKV within the peripheral nervous system and its effect on neuronal and glial cells.
Main Methods:
- Primary adult murine neuronal and glial cell cultures were utilized.
- Zika virus (ZIKV) infection dynamics and cellular responses were analyzed.
Main Results:
- ZIKV persistently infects sensory neurons in the trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia without causing apparent injury.
- Autonomic neurons were found to be non-permissive to ZIKV infection.
- Productive ZIKV infection of satellite glial cells led to their destruction.
Conclusions:
- Persistent ZIKV infection of sensory neurons offers a potential reservoir for prolonged viral shedding in secretions.
- Destruction of satellite glial cells by ZIKV may represent an alternative mechanism contributing to Guillain-Barré Syndrome development.
