Microenvironment Regulation of Zika Virus Susceptibility in Human Brain Development and Malignant Glioma

Zika Virus causes damage to the developing brain by infecting brain stem cells, but also targets cancer stem cells in the most malignant brain tumours. My work so far suggests that brain support cells called microglia can prevent infection by mopping up virus and signalling to cancer stem cells to activate antivirus responses. However immature populations of these same microglia may also act as a Trojan Horse, bringing the virus with them as they migrate into the developing brain. By understanding the mechanisms through which microglia control Zika Virus susceptibility in stem cells, I hope to find ways to prevent virus damage in the developing brain, and to enhance delivery of anticancer virus treatments.