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