Zika virus induces monocyte recruitment in the immunocompetent adult brain driving chronic inflammation.

ABSTRACT: Zika virus (ZIKV) is a neurotropic pathogen linked to neuropathogenesis in adults, causing conditions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and fatal encephalitis. Intracranial injection of virus in immunocompromised mice have shown neuroinflammation and subsequent brain damage. However, the mechanisms underlying ZIKV-induced neuroinflammation in immunocompetent adult mice via peripheral infection remain unclear. To investigate this, we utilized a murine model of ZIKV infection via footpad injection. Our findings reveal that acute ZIKV infection at 4 days post-infection (4 dpi) induces significant apoptosis and neuroinflammation in the adult brain, persisting up to 28 dpi. Notably, ZIKV infection triggers apoptosis in the hippocampus and cortex-key regions involved in memory-and induces ea

SUBMITTER: Garcia Diaz J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12271104 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature