J Infect Dis. 2017 Aug 24. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jix436. [Epub ahead of print]

Replication of Zika virus in human prostate cells: a potential source of sexually transmitted virus.

Spencer JL¹, Lahon A¹, Tran LL^2,3, Arya RP¹, Kneubehl AR¹, Vogt MB^1,3, Xavier D⁴, Rowley DR², Kimata JT¹, Rico-Hesse RR¹.

Abstract

Background:

While Zika virus (ZIKV) is mainly transmitted by mosquitoes, numerous cases of sexual transmission have been reported during recent outbreaks. Little is known about which host cell types or entry factors aid in mediating this sexual transmission.

Methods:

In this study, we investigated ZIKV cell tropism by infecting two types of human prostate cells with three contemporary ZIKV isolates from persons infected in the Americas. We utilized qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence to measure infection and flow cytometry to detect entry factor expression.

Results:

Here we show that ZIKV infects, replicates and produces infectious virus in prostate stromal mesenchymal stem cells, epithelial cells and organoids made with a combination of these cells. We also show that prostate cells express several well-characterized flavivirus attachment factors. In contrast, dengue virus does not infect or does not replicate these prostate cells, although it is known to use similar receptors.

Conclusions:

Our results indicate that ZIKV favors infection of stromal cells more so than epithelial cells in organoids, possibly indicating a preference for stem cells in general. Overall, these results suggest ZIKV viral replication occurs in the human prostate, and can account for ZIKV secretion in semen, thus leading to sexual transmission.