ZIKA-PATHO aims to use human placental explants, together with susceptible rodent and sheep models to increase understanding of the pathogenesis of ZIKV vertical transmission, including
- 1) Assessing and characterizing the susceptibility and receptivity of human placental explants to different strains of ZIKV
- 2) Investigating the role of ZIKV infection in the development of fetal brain abnormalities in rodents
- 3) Assessing the impact of antibody dependent enhancement on severity of ZIKV infection
- 4) Assessing teratogenic and abortogenic potential of ZIKV infection at different gestational times in sheep.
This WP is lead by Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Delle Venezie, with University of Florida co-leading.