Modelling herpes simplex virus type 2 and Zika virus replication in mouse vaginal organoids and human vaginal spheroids

Mouse vaginal organoids and human vaginal spheroids

Publication Date

Publication Journal

Microbiology Spectrum

Author(s)

Ananya Saraph, Imogen Porter, Grace Bodykevich, Ingrid Barta, May Dang-Lawson, and Maria Tokuyama

Sexually transmitted viruses disproportionately affect women and often result in adverse outcomes for maternal and fetal health. In this study, the authors created new vaginal models grown from mouse or human cells and demonstrated that they are capable of being infected with herpes simplex virus type 2 and Zika virus and responding to antiviral drugs. Their results establish a valuable experimental system that researchers can leverage to better understand how sexually transmitted viruses infect, replicate, and respond to treatment in the female reproductive tract.

  • Tokuyama Lab

Musqueam First Nation land acknowledegement

We honour xwməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam) on whose ancestral, unceded territory UBC Vancouver is situated. UBC Science is committed to building meaningful relationships with Indigenous peoples so we can advance Reconciliation and ensure traditional ways of knowing enrich our teaching and research.

Learn more: Musqueam First Nation

Microbiology and Immunology

1365–2350 Health Sciences Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada
V6T 1Z3

Faculty of Science

Office of the Dean, Earth Sciences Building
2178–2207 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC Canada
V6T 1Z4
UBC Crest The official logo of the University of British Columbia. Urgent Message An exclamation mark in a speech bubble. Arrow An arrow indicating direction. Arrow in Circle An arrow indicating direction. Bluesky The logo for the Bluesky social media service. A bookmark An ribbon to indicate a special marker. Calendar A calendar. Caret An arrowhead indicating direction. Time A clock. Chats Two speech clouds. External link An arrow pointing up and to the right. Facebook The logo for the Facebook social media service. A Facemask The medical facemask. Information The letter 'i' in a circle. Instagram The logo for the Instagram social media service. Linkedin The logo for the LinkedIn social media service. Lock, closed A closed padlock. Lock, open An open padlock. Location Pin A map location pin. Mail An envelope. Mask A protective face mask. Menu Three horizontal lines indicating a menu. Minus A minus sign. Money A money bill. Telephone An antique telephone. Plus A plus symbol indicating more or the ability to add. RSS Curved lines indicating information transfer. Search A magnifying glass. Arrow indicating share action A directional arrow. Spotify The logo for the Spotify music streaming service. Twitter The logo for the Twitter social media service. Youtube The logo for the YouTube video sharing service.