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Q&A: How do infections get past the placenta’s defenses?

Infections during pregnancy can affect the placenta's ability to nourish and protect the fetus, potentially leading to complications like preeclampsia. Studying the placenta's response to infections could help anticipate problems for the baby and inform treatments for women's health.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2026

Two-in-one tool tracks viral RNA inside live infected cells in real time

A team of researchers from Penn State has developed a fluorescent molecular tag that tracks viral RNA and host interactions in real-time, allowing for the study of Zika and chikungunya viruses. The tool, called Mango-II, provides insight into the viral-host cell interaction, a key step to developing effective antiviral strategies.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 21, 2026

World Mosquito Day 2025: Europe sets new records for mosquito-borne diseases: ECDC supporting Member States in adapting to ‘new normal’

Europe is experiencing longer and more intense transmission seasons for mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus infection and chikungunya virus disease. ECDC has warned that record-breaking outbreaks point to a 'new normal' in Europe, prompting the need for a robust response to protect public health.

How Zika virus knocks out our immune defenses

Researchers from La Jolla Institute for Immunology and UC San Diego discover Zika virus blocks dendritic cells' ability to alert T cells, while dengue virus stimulates pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to a stronger but uncontrolled immune response. Understanding these differences is key to developing life-saving vaccines.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

Stealth virus: Zika virus builds tunnels to covertly infect cells of the placenta

Researchers discovered that Zika virus uses a tunneling strategy to spread in placental cells, hijacking mitochondria to augment its propagation and survival. The study found that the formation of tiny tunnels is driven exclusively by a Zika protein called NS1, which triggers tunnel formation in uninfected cells.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2025

Zika virus as a treatment for brain cancer: A systematic review

Researchers evaluated the efficacy and safety of using Zika virus for treating CNS tumors, finding that it reduces cell viability, inhibits growth, and decreases Bcl2 expression, potentially enhancing chemotherapy and radiotherapy effects. This ultimately led to significant tumor remission and improved long-term survival through an enh...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 9, 2024