Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Modelling Zika Virus Infection of the Developing Human Brain In Vitro Using Stem Cell Derived Cerebral Organoids
09:18

Modelling Zika Virus Infection of the Developing Human Brain In Vitro Using Stem Cell Derived Cerebral Organoids

Published on: September 19, 2017

10.6K

Microcephaly in Zika Virus Infection

Erica L McGrath1, Ping Wu1,2

  • 1Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, USA.

Annals of Pediatrics & Child Health
|November 28, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Zika virus, a flavivirus, can cause microcephaly. Recent research using advanced cell and animal models highlights viral lineage, host immunity, and pregnancy stage as key factors in Zika virus neuropathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus linked to microcephaly and other congenital abnormalities.
  • The precise mechanisms of ZIKV-induced neuropathogenesis remain incompletely understood.
  • Understanding ZIKV's impact on fetal brain development is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding Zika virus-associated microcephaly.
  • To elucidate the contributing factors to ZIKV-induced neuropathogenesis.
  • To highlight the role of viral lineage, host immunity, and pregnancy stage.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature.
  • Analysis of findings from cell culture studies.
  • Examination of data from animal models of ZIKV infection.

Main Results:

  • Recent studies suggest viral lineage influences ZIKV pathogenicity.
  • Host immune responses play a significant role in ZIKV-associated outcomes.
  • The stage of pregnancy during ZIKV infection critically affects microcephaly development.

Conclusions:

  • Zika virus neuropathogenesis is multifactorial.
  • Advanced research models are improving our understanding of ZIKV's effects.
  • Further investigation is needed to fully elucidate ZIKV's impact on fetal development.
Keywords:
MicrocephalyNeural stem cellsZika virus

More Related Videos

Establishing Mouse Models for Zika Virus-induced Neurological Disorders Using Intracerebral Injection Strategies: Embryonic, Neonatal, and Adult09:39

Establishing Mouse Models for Zika Virus-induced Neurological Disorders Using Intracerebral Injection Strategies: Embryonic, Neonatal, and Adult

Published on: April 26, 2018

8.8K
Zika Virus Infection of Cultured Human Fetal Brain Neural Stem Cells for Immunocytochemical Analysis10:27

Zika Virus Infection of Cultured Human Fetal Brain Neural Stem Cells for Immunocytochemical Analysis

Published on: February 5, 2018

6.6K

Related Concept Videos

Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...