New research has uncovered more about the effects of the Zika virus on fetal brain development.
UC San Diego School of Medicine researchers have pinpointed one way in which the Zika virus impacts fetal brain growth.
In a study released Friday, researchers found that when the Zika virus is introduced to a developing brain, it can activate a molecule called TLR3. This molecule usually defends against invading viruses.
Researchers identified that this specific activation is one reason brain development can be inhibited.
“We all have an innate immune system that evolved specifically to fight off viruses, but here the virus turns that very same defense mechanism against us,” explained Tariq Rana, PhD, senior author and professor of pediatrics at UCSD School of Medicine, in a previous statement. “By activating TLR3, the Zika virus blocks genes that tell stem cells to develop into the various parts of the brain. The good news is that we have TLR3 inhibitors that can stop this from happening.”
Fortunately, the TLR3 inhibitors did show hope in fighting the activated molecule’s damage. In fact, the discovery of the TLR3 inhibitors may open a door to new approaches for mitigating the effects of the virus on prenatal brain development.
However, it is not yet a guaranteed way to counter Zika's influence.
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This study was conducted on 3D models of the human brain in the first trimester and were made of either human or mouse cells that were grown in the laboratory. Additionally, researchers used a different strain of Zika than the current virus seen in Latin America.
To read the full study, which was funded by National Institutes of Health grants, click here.
