cytotrophoblasts tagged posts

This visual abstract depicts the findings of Quicke et al., who demonstrate that a contemporary ZIKV strain infects and replicates in primary human placental macrophages and cytotrophoblasts, suggesting a route for ZIKV to cross the placental barrier. CREDIT Quicke and Bowen et al./Cell Host & Microbe 2016

One of Zika’s mysteries is how the virus passes from an infected mother, through the placenta, to a developing fetus. The route may not be direct either – transmission via multiple cell types may be necessary. A study supports the possibility that placental immune cells called Hofbauer cells, which have direct access to fetal blood vessels, are one cell type involved.

“One group has recently discovered viral antigen in Hofbauer cells collected from placental tissue of a fetus that unfort...