Immune profiles in mouse brain and testes infected by Zika virus with variable pathogenicity

A multi-omics analysis of viral nucleic acid poly(I:C) responses to mammalian testicular stimulation

The male reproductive system has a standard immune response regulatory mechanism, However, a variety of external stimuli, including viruses, bacteria, heat, and medications can damage the testicles and cause orchitis and epididymitis. It has been shown that various RNA viruses are more likely to infect the testis than DNA viruses, inducing orchitis and impairing testicular function. It was found that local injection of the viral RNA analog poly(I:C) into the testes markedly disrupted the structure of the seminiferous tubules, accompanied by apoptosis and inflammation. Poly(I:C) mainly inhibited the expression of testosterone synthesis-associated proteins, STAR and MGARP, and affected the synthesis and metabolism of amino acids and lipids in the testis. This led to the disruption of the metabolite levels in the testis of mice, thus affecting the normal spermatogenesis process. The present study analyzed the acute inflammatory response of the testis to viral infection using a multi-omics approach. It provides insights into how RNA virus infection impairs testicular function and offers a theoretical basis for future studies on immune homeostasis and responses under stress conditions in male reproduction.

The role of glial cells in Zika virus-induced neurodegeneration

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a strongly neurotropic flavivirus whose infection has been associated with microcephaly in neonates. However, clinical and experimental evidence indicate that ZIKV also affects the adult nervous system. In this regard, in vitro and in vivo studies have shown the ability of ZIKV to infect glial cells. In the central nervous system (CNS), glial cells are represented by astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes. In contrast, the peripheral nervous system (PNS) constitutes a highly heterogeneous group of cells (Schwann cells, satellite glial cells, and enteric glial cells) spread through the body. These cells are critical in both physiological and pathological conditions; as such, ZIKV-induced glial dysfunctions can be associated with the development and progression of neurological complications, including those related to the adult and aging brain. This review will address the effects of ZIKV infection on CNS and PNS glial cells, focusing on cellular and molecular mechanisms, including changes in the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, Ca²⁺ and glutamate homeostasis, neural metabolism, and neuron-glia communication. Of note, preventive and therapeutic strategies that focus on glial cells may emerge to delay and/or prevent the development of ZIKV-induced neurodegeneration and its consequences.