Language
English
Publication Date
2-20-2025
Journal
Nature Communications
DOI
10.1038/s41467-025-56927-2
PMID
39979240
PMCID
PMC11842757
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
2-20-2025
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is unique among orthoflaviviruses in its vertical transmission capacity in humans, yet the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that ZIKV induces tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) in placental trophoblasts which facilitate transfer of viral particles, proteins, mitochondria, and RNA to neighboring uninfected cells. TNT formation is driven exclusively via ZIKV non-structural protein 1 (NS1). Specifically, the N-terminal 1-50 amino acids of membrane-bound ZIKV NS1 are necessary for triggering TNT formation in host cells. Trophoblasts infected with TNT-deficient ZIKV
Keywords
Trophoblasts, Zika Virus, Humans, Viral Nonstructural Proteins, Mitochondria, Zika Virus Infection, Female, Pregnancy, Animals, Nanotubes, Placenta, Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Michita, Rafael T; Tran, Long B; Bark, Steven J; et al., "Zika Virus NS1 Drives Tunneling Nanotube Formation for Mitochondrial Transfer and Stealth Transmission in Trophoblasts" (2025). Faculty and Staff Publications. 1637.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/1637
Graphical Abstract
Included in
Allergy and Immunology Commons, Immune System Diseases Commons, Medical Immunology Commons, Women's Health Commons