Conclusions
Our data identify astrocytes in different stages of development as major contributors to the devastating effects of ZIKV in the developing brain.
Methods
We analyze infection of pure cultures of astrocytes and mixed cultures of neurons and astrocytes in response to ZIKV using plaque assays, confocal, and electron microscopy to identify infectivity, ZIKV accumulation and intracellular distribution as well as apoptosis and interorganelle dysfunction.
Results
Here, we demonstrated that ZIKV enters, infects, replicates, and accumulates in large quantities in human fetal astrocytes in a developmental-dependent manner. Astrocyte infection and intracellular viral accumulation resulted in neuronal apoptosis, and we propose astrocytes are a ZIKV reservoir during brain development. Conclusions: Our data identify astrocytes in different stages of development as major contributors to the devastating effects of ZIKV in the developing brain.