biostudies-literatureSuter CSwiss National Science Foundatione1013984https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12928586biostudies-literatureUnknown22(2)Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a prevalent human pathogen that can cross the placenta by a mechanism that remains unknown, posing a risk of severe fetal complications, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy. We investigated the expression of B19V-specific receptors in the three trophoblast cell types, cytotrophoblasts (CTBs), syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), and assessed their susceptibility to infection. VP1uR, the receptor that mediates viral uptake and infection in erythroid progenitor cells, is expressed in CTBs and STBs, but not in EVTs. Globoside, a glycosphingolipid that is essential for the escape of the virus from endosomes, is also expressed in these cells, except for choriocarcinoma-derived CTBs. In the latter, the absence of globoside cPLoS pathogensCellular determinants of parvovirus B19 susceptibility in the human placenta.PMC12928586320030_207850Bieri JAlves MPKuffer MSuter CFahmi ARos CBaud DfalseCellular determinants of parvovirus B19 susceptibility in the human placenta.Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a prevalent human pathogen that can cross the placenta by a mechanism that remains unknown, posing a risk of severe fetal complications, particularly during the first trimester of pregnancy. We investigated the expression of B19V-specific receptors in the three trophoblast cell types, cytotrophoblasts (CTBs), syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs), and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), and assessed their susceptibility to infection. VP1uR, the receptor that mediates viral uptake and infection in erythroid progenitor cells, is expressed in CTBs and STBs, but not in EVTs. Globoside, a glycosphingolipid that is essential for the escape of the virus from endosomes, is also expressed in these cells, except for choriocarcinoma-derived CTBs. In the latter, the absence of globoside c2026-01-01T00:00:00Z2026 Feb2026-07-16T17:44:55.453Z2026-07-09T11:09:47.808ZS-EPMC129285864170674610.1371/journal.ppat.1013984