Gestational ZIKV infection promotes changes in the expression of placental thyroid hormone transporters.

During pregnancy, the fetus depends on the placenta for hormonal, nutritional, gas exchange, and other functions. It has been shown that ZIKV can spread in the intrauterine space and infect the fetus through a transplacental route. However, studies demonstrated that the offspring could present deficits even if the virus does not reach the fetus suggesting that placental factors may be leading to a variety of congenital abnormalities called Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). Thyroid hormones TH are critical for fetus development, in special, CNS. The transplacental passage of TH from the maternal to the fetal circulation is fundamental to ensure normal fetal growth and development.