Zika virus infection induces expression of NRF2 and antioxidant systems in trophoblast cells

Abstract

The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in the xenobiotic and stress responses. During viral infection, NRF2 can modulate the host metabolism and innate immunity; however, the most common activity of NRF2 in viral diseases is controlling reactive oxygen species (ROS). The Zika virus (ZIKV) is involved in a vertical infection in pregnancy, with reported fetal health consequences. However, the possibility that ZIKV regulates NRF2 expression in placental trophoblasts has not been investigated. In this report, we evaluated the upregulation of NRF2 and antioxidant enzymes in a trophoblast-like cell. These findings could help us understand the antioxidant mechanism underlying the ZIKV infection in the placenta during pregnancy.

Keywords: Oxidative stress; Placenta; ROS; Trophoblast; Zika virus.