Molecular and cellular insights into Zika virus-related neuropathies

J Neurovirol. 2017 Jun;23(3):341-346. doi: 10.1007/s13365-017-0514-3. Epub 2017 Jan 26.

Abstract

Zika virus (ZIKV), a relatively elusive Aedes mosquito-transmitted flavivirus, had been brought into spotlight until recent widespread outbreaks accompanied by unexpectedly severe clinical neuropathies, including fetal microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in the adult. In this review, we focus on the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms by which vertically transmitted microorganisms reach the fetus and trigger neuropathies.

Keywords: Guillain–Barré syndrome; Microcephaly; Neurodevelopment; Zika virus.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aedes / virology*
  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Fetus
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / genetics
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / pathology
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / virology*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / genetics
  • Humans
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
  • Insect Vectors / virology*
  • Mice
  • Microcephaly / genetics
  • Microcephaly / pathology
  • Microcephaly / virology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / genetics
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / pathology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / virology*
  • Zika Virus / genetics
  • Zika Virus / growth & development
  • Zika Virus / pathogenicity*
  • Zika Virus Infection / genetics
  • Zika Virus Infection / pathology
  • Zika Virus Infection / transmission
  • Zika Virus Infection / virology*