Medical Illustration & Animation

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Brain Development & Zika Virus

Cerebral Brain Development with Zika Infection in RGC Cells Cerebral Brain Development with Zika Infection in RGC Cells

Zika Virus Infection of Apical Radial Glial Cells (aRGC) in the Developing Brain

Zika virus gains entry into neuroprogenitor cells (aRGC) of the developing cerebral cortex by binding to the Axl receptor present on the surface of the aRGCs. Within the aRGCs, the virus divides and vastly increases it population and infectious potential. This illustration accompanies an article introducing the general public, students, and policy makers to the field of brain development, the Zika virus, and infectious disease.

Cerebral Brain Development with Zika Infection in RGC Cells - Cover Cerebral Brain Development with Zika Infection in RGC Cells - Cover

Breakthroughs in Bioscience Cover: Zika Virus Infection of Apical Radial Glial Cells (aRGC) in the Developing Brain

Zika virus gains entry into neuroprogenitor cells (aRGC) of the developing cerebral cortex by binding to the Axl receptor present on the surface of the aRGCs. Within the aRGCs, the virus divides and vastly increases it population and infectious potential. This illustration accompanies an article introducing the general public, students, and policy makers to the field of brain development, the Zika virus, and infectious disease.

Neural tube defects in an 4 week old embryo Neural tube defects in an 4 week old embryo

Abnormalities During Neural Tube Development

The neural tube forms from the folding of the neural plate early in neural development. By the end of the fourth week of gestation, the ends of the neural tube close. However, the failure of the neural tube to close during development leads to lethal deformities or lifelong disabilities, such as anencephaly and spina bifida.

Zones and cells of early cerebral cortex development Zones and cells of early cerebral cortex development

Neural Progenitor Cells in the Developing Cerebral Cortex

Neural progenitor cells proliferate and differentiate, giving rise to multiple types of cortical cells of the developing brain.