BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) has become a global concern because infection of pregnant mothers was linked to congenital birth defects. Zika virus is unique from other flaviviruses, because it is transmitted vertically and sexually in addition to by mosquito vectors. Prior studies in mice, nonhuman primates, and humans have shown that ZIKV targets the testis in males, resulting in persistent infection and oligospermia. However, its effects on the corresponding female gonads have not been evaluated. METHODS: In this study, we assessed the effects of ZIKV on the ovary in nonpregnant mice. RESULTS: During the acute phase, ZIKV productively infected the ovary causing accumulation of CD4+ and virus-specific CD8+ T cells. T cells protected against ZIKV infection in the ovary, as higher viral burden was measured in CD8-/- and TCRβδ-/- mice. Increased cell death and tissue inflammation in the ovary was observed during the acute phase of infection, but this normalized over time. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to that observed with males, minimal persistence and no long-term consequences of ZIKV infection on ovarian follicular reserve or fertility were demonstrated in this model. Thus, although ZIKV replicates in cells of the ovary and causes acute oophoritis, there is rapid resolution and no long-term effects on fertility, at least in mice.
BACKGROUND:Zika virus (ZIKV) has become a global concern because infection of pregnant mothers was linked to congenital birth defects. Zika virus is unique from other flaviviruses, because it is transmitted vertically and sexually in addition to by mosquito vectors. Prior studies in mice, nonhuman primates, and humans have shown that ZIKV targets the testis in males, resulting in persistent infection and oligospermia. However, its effects on the corresponding female gonads have not been evaluated. METHODS: In this study, we assessed the effects of ZIKV on the ovary in nonpregnant mice. RESULTS: During the acute phase, ZIKV productively infected the ovary causing accumulation of CD4+ and virus-specific CD8+ T cells. T cells protected against ZIKV infection in the ovary, as higher viral burden was measured in CD8-/- and TCRβδ-/- mice. Increased cell death and tissue inflammation in the ovary was observed during the acute phase of infection, but this normalized over time. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to that observed with males, minimal persistence and no long-term consequences of ZIKV infection on ovarian follicular reserve or fertility were demonstrated in this model. Thus, although ZIKV replicates in cells of the ovary and causes acute oophoritis, there is rapid resolution and no long-term effects on fertility, at least in mice.
Authors: Jernej Mlakar; Misa Korva; Nataša Tul; Mara Popović; Mateja Poljšak-Prijatelj; Jerica Mraz; Marko Kolenc; Katarina Resman Rus; Tina Vesnaver Vipotnik; Vesna Fabjan Vodušek; Alenka Vizjak; Jože Pižem; Miroslav Petrovec; Tatjana Avšič Županc Journal: N Engl J Med Date: 2016-02-10 Impact factor: 91.245
Authors: Mark R Duffy; Tai-Ho Chen; W Thane Hancock; Ann M Powers; Jacob L Kool; Robert S Lanciotti; Moses Pretrick; Maria Marfel; Stacey Holzbauer; Christine Dubray; Laurent Guillaumot; Anne Griggs; Martin Bel; Amy J Lambert; Janeen Laven; Olga Kosoy; Amanda Panella; Brad J Biggerstaff; Marc Fischer; Edward B Hayes Journal: N Engl J Med Date: 2009-06-11 Impact factor: 91.245
Authors: Jennifer Govero; Prabagaran Esakky; Suzanne M Scheaffer; Estefania Fernandez; Andrea Drury; Derek J Platt; Matthew J Gorman; Justin M Richner; Elizabeth A Caine; Vanessa Salazar; Kelle H Moley; Michael S Diamond Journal: Nature Date: 2016-10-31 Impact factor: 49.962
Authors: Min Jie Alvin Tan; Kitti Wing Ki Chan; Ivan H W Ng; Sean Yao Zu Kong; Chin Piaw Gwee; Satoru Watanabe; Subhash G Vasudevan Journal: Cells Date: 2019-11-26 Impact factor: 6.600