Vanessa Sa Freire

Vanessa Sa Freire


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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26 May 2023 in Viruses
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FOFernanda Bellaniza Caminha de Oliveira
Fernanda Bellaniza Caminha de Oliveira
VFVanessa Sa Freire
Vanessa Sa Freire
Sharton Vinicius Antunes CoelhoSharton Vinicius Antunes Coelho
Sharton Vinicius Antunes Coelho
LMLana Monteiro Meuren
Lana Monteiro Meuren
JPJulys da Fonseca Palmeira
Julys da Fonseca Palmeira
EAEnrique Argañaraz
Enrique Argañaraz
In recent years, the Zika Virus (ZIKV) has caused pandemic outbreaks associated with a high rate of congenital ZIKV syndrome (CZS). Although all strains associated with worldwide outbreaks derive from the Asian lineage, the reasons for their enhanced spread and severity are not fully understood. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of miRNAs (miRNA-155/146a/124) and their cellular targets (SOCS1/3, SHP1, TRAF6, IRAK1), as well as pro- and anti-inflammatory and anti-viral cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10, and IFN-β) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) expression in BV2 microglia cells infected with ZIKV strains derived from African and Asian lineages (ZIKVMR766 and ZIKVPE243). BV2 cells were susceptible to both ZIKV strains, and showed discrete levels of viral replication, with delayed release of viral particles without inducing significant cytopathogenic effects. However, the ZIKVMR766 strain showed higher infectivity and replicative capacity, inducing a higher expression of microglial activation markers than the ZIKVPE243 strain. Moreover, infection with the ZIKVMR766 strain promoted both a higher inflammatory response and a lower expression of anti-viral factors compared to the ZIKVPE243 strain. Remarkably, the ZIKKPE243 strain induced significantly higher levels of the anti-inflammatory nuclear receptor—PPAR-γ. These findings improve our understanding of ZIKV-mediated modulation of inflammatory and anti-viral innate immune responses and open a new avenue to explore underlining mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of ZIKV-associated diseases.