Replication of Zika Virus in Human Prostate Cells: A Potential Source of Sexually Transmitted Virus. (24th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Spencer, Jennifer L; Lahon, Anismrita; Tran, Linda L; Arya, Ravi P; Kneubehl, Alexander R; Vogt, Megan B; Xavier, Daniela; Rowley, David R; Kimata, Jason T; Rico-Hesse, Rebecca R
• Is Part Of: Journal of infectious diseases. Volume 217:Number 4(2018)
• Page Start: 538
• Page End: 547
• Publication Date: 2017-08-24
• Subjects: Zika virus -- prostate -- sexual transmission; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Diseases -- Causes and theories of causation -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix436
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1899

Abstract

Abstract : We demonstrate that 3 Zika virus clinical isolates from the Americas infect and replicate in prostate mesenchymal stem cells, epithelial cells, and organoids, while dengue virus does not. We also show that these cells express several well-described flavivirus attachment factors. Abstract: Background: While Zika virus (ZIKV) is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes, numerous cases of sexual transmission have been reported during recent outbreaks. Little is known about which host cell types or entry factors aid in mediating this sexual transmission. Methods: In this study, we investigated ZIKV cell tropism by infecting 2 types of human prostate cells with 3 contemporary ZIKV isolates from persons infected in the Americas. We used real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence analyses to measure infection and flow cytometry to detect entry factor expression. Results: Here we show that ZIKV infects, replicates, and produces infectious virus in prostate stromal mesenchymal stem cells, epithelial cells, and organoids made with a combination of these cells. We also show that prostate cells express several well-characterized flavivirus attachment factors. In contrast, dengue virus does not infect or does not replicate in these prostate cells, although it is known to use similar receptors. Conclusions: Our results indicate that ZIKV favors infection of stromal cells more so than epithelial cells in organoids, possibly indicating a preference for stem cells in general. Overall, these results suggest that ZIKV replication occurs in the human prostate and can account for ZIKV secretion in semen, thus leading to sexual transmission.