Stealth virus: Zika virus builds tunnels to covertly infect cells of the placenta
Infection with Zika virus in pregnancy can lead to neurological disorders, fetal abnormalities and fetal death. Until now, how the virus manages to cross the placenta, which nurtures the developing fetus and forms a strong barrier against microbes and chemicals that could harm the fetus, has not been clear. Researchers now report a strategy Zika virus uses to covertly spread in placental cells, raising little alarm in the immune system.
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Infection with Zika virus in pregnancy can lead to neurological disorders, fetal abnormalities and fetal death. Until now, how the virus manages to cross the placenta, which nurtures the developing fetus and forms a strong barrier against microbes and chemicals that could harm the fetus, has not been clear. Researchers now report a strategy Zika virus uses to covertly spread in placental cells, raising little alarm in the immune system.
