Embryonic and Neonatal Mouse Cochleae Are Susceptible to Zika Virus Infection
Vidhya Munnamalai1,2, Nabilah H Sammudin3, Caryl A Young1
1The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA.
Viruses
|September 28, 2021
Summary
Zika virus (ZIKV) can infect developing mouse cochlear cells, potentially causing hearing loss in infants with Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). This study identifies specific cochlear cells vulnerable to ZIKV infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Developmental Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) is linked to hearing loss in infants.
- The cochlea, responsible for hearing, may be a target for Zika virus (ZIKV).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the susceptibility of developing mammalian cochlear tissues to ZIKV infection.
- To identify specific cell types within the cochlea that can be infected by ZIKV.
Main Methods:
- Mouse cochlear explants were cultured at different developmental stages.
- Explants were exposed to ZIKV, and infection was assessed.
- Virus neutralization using an antibody and AXL receptor expression were analyzed.
Main Results:
- ZIKV robustly infected proliferating sensory progenitors, post-mitotic hair cells, and supporting cells in the developing cochlea.
- ZIKV infection was blocked by a neutralizing antibody.
- While AXL mRNA is expressed in susceptible cells, its downregulation does not prevent ZIKV infection.
Conclusions:
- Developing cochlear cells are susceptible to ZIKV infection.
- These findings suggest a potential mechanism for ZIKV-induced hearing loss in CZS.
- Further research may elucidate specific cellular targets contributing to hearing impairment.
