How Zika's NS1 protein may help the virus pass from a pregnant person to their fetus
Mechanisms of tunneling nanotube formation by ZIKV NS1 in viral host interactions at the maternal-fetal interface
The team is looking at whether a Zika virus protein called NS1 creates tiny cell-to-cell bridges that let the virus move from pregnant people to their fetuses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257651 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses human placental cells and laboratory models to see if Zika infection or the NS1 protein alone causes formation of tunneling nanotubes, tiny actin-based bridges between cells. Researchers will compare Zika NS1 to NS1 from other related viruses to see what is unique. They will use microscopy and molecular assays to track nanotube formation and whether virus or viral material travels through them. The goal is to understand the cellular steps that could allow Zika to cross the maternal-fetal barrier.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most directly connected to this research are pregnant people or those planning pregnancy who have been exposed to or infected with Zika virus, since the project focuses on maternal-fetal transmission.
Not a fit: People without pregnancy or Zika exposure, or those whose conditions are unrelated to maternal-fetal viral transmission, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new ways to block Zika crossing the placenta and reduce the risk of congenital Zika syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown tunneling nanotubes can spread some viruses, but applying this mechanism to Zika and maternal-fetal transmission is a novel area with preliminary supporting data.
Where this research is happening
University Park, United States
- Pennsylvania State University, the — University Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jose, Joyce — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Jose, Joyce
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.