Potential mechanisms of Zika ‐linked microcephaly

A recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil is associated with microcephaly in infants born of infected mothers. As this pandemic spreads, rapid scientific investigation is shedding new light on how prenatal infection with ZIKV causes microcephaly. In this analysis we provide an overview of both microcephaly and ZIKV, explore the connection between prenatal ZIKV infection and microcephaly, and highlight recent insights into how prenatal ZIKV infection depletes the pool of neural progenitors in the developing brain. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. Zika virions likely bind phosphatidylserine receptors to enter fetal neural progenitor cells and impede normal brain growth.
Source: Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Developmental Biology - Category: Biology Authors: Tags: Primer Source Type: research