The involvement of annexin A1 in human placental response to maternal Zika virus infection

Author(s)

Ribeiro, Milene Rocha ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Sao Paulo State Univ, Sch Biosci Humanities & Exact Sci, Dept Biol, UNESP, Rus Cristovao Colombo 2265, BR-15054 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Antiviral Research; v. 179, JUL 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

The association of Zika virus infection (ZIKV) with congenital malformation and neurological sequelae brought a significant global concern. Recent studies have shown that maternal viral infection leads to inflammation in the placental tissue. In this context, the antiinflammatory protein annexin 1 (ANXA1) has a major determination of the resolution of inflammation and it has been positively associated with antiparasitic activity in infected placental explants. Although these effects have been explored to some degree, ANXA1 expression and potential properties have not yet been fully elucidated in placentas infected with ZIKV. This study was conducted to evaluate the histopathology, inflammatory process and elucidate if ANXA1 were differently expressed in placentas of ZIKV-infected mothers. Three classification groups were used in this study: Neg/Neg (mother and placenta negative for the virus), Pos/Neg (infected mother, but no virus detected in placenta) and Pos/Pos (mother and placenta infected with ZIKV). ANXA1 was expressed in syncytiotrophoblast cells of all studied groups, and its expression was decreased in Pos/Neg group, which displayed also an increase of the inflammatory response, as evinced from the recruitment of inflammatory cells, increased levels of placenta cytokines, and evidence of impaired tissue repair. The presence of ZIKV in placentas of Pos/Pos group shows structural alterations, including detachment and disorganization of the trophoblastic epithelium. In summary, our results suggest that maternal infection with ZIKV, even without direct tissue infection, leads to a placental inflammatory response probably related to the modulation of ANXA1. After placental infection, structural changes - including inflammatory cells influx - are observed leading to placental dysfunction and reduced fetal weight. Our study sheds additional light on the outcomes of ZIKV infection in trophoblast and reveals a potential involvement of ANXA1 in the placental biology. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/09136-3 - Annexin A1 protein: characterization and function in placentas infected with ZIKA virus
• Grantee: Rafaela Batista Molás Mendes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 18/07895-7 - The effect of zika virus infection on placental development
• Grantee: Rafaela Batista Molás Mendes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• FAPESP's process: 16/02012-4 - Evaluation of the immunomodulatory activity of annexin A1 protein in the regulation of inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal system: studies in vivo and in vitro experimental models
• Grantee: Sonia Maria Oliani
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants