Dados do Trabalho

Título

Influence of Zika Virus on Cell Adhesion and Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cells

Introdução

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most common brain tumors in adults. Despite the presence of available treatments, it remains one of the most lethal and difficult tumors to treat such that most patients die within two years. Studies reported that infection with Zika virus (ZIKV) causes inhibition of cell proliferation as well as induction of apoptosis; moreover, these manifestations show a predilection for developing neuronal cells.

Objetivo

Our study aims to evaluate the action of Zika virus infection on human GBM cell lines, more specifically its effect on cell viability, apoptosis, migration potential, and cell adhesion. The quantification of interleukins INF-γ and IL-4, as well as the expression of CD14 and CD73 surface markers, were also assessed.

Método

In the present study, two GBM cell lines U-138 and U-251 were infected with ZIKV at multiplicities of infection (MOI) 0.1 and 0.01 and tested for cell viability, cell migration, cell adhesion, induction of apoptosis (Caspase 3/7), interleukin levels, and cell surface markers.

Resultados

Our study demonstrated no change in cell viability and migration; however, the two glioblastoma cell lines displayed increased apoptosis and adhesion potential. There was small increase in the IL-4 level in the U-251 cell line after exposure to ZIKV, with no change in relation to INF-γ levels. Furthermore, we observed an increase in the percentage of cells expressing the CD14 surface marker in both cell lines and increased CD73 expression in the U-251 cell line.

Conclusão

Our results suggest that ZIKV may be associated with increased CD73 expression, enhanced adherence, as well as increased apoptosis rates. Further investigations are required to explore the potential use of ZIKV in the treatment of GBM.

Palavras-chave

Zika virus, glioblastoma, viral therapy