The study led by researchers from Duke-NUS Medical School reveals that the fetal immune system can mount defenses against infections earlier than previously thought, challenging the assumption that fetuses rely solely on the mother’s immune system for protection. By studying Zika virus transmission from mother to fetus, the researchers found that immune cells like microglia play a protective role in limiting viral replication and neuroinflammation, while harmful immune responses from monocytes contribute to brain damage. Targeting specific immune responses, such as blocking Nos2 function, could be a potential therapeutic strategy for viral infections that cause brain inflammation in fetuses.
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Myanmar junta troops massacre 11 villagers, most too old to flee, residents say
On March 2, soldiers from the Myanmar military carried out a deadly sweep through a central village known for supporting anti-junta forces, killing 11 civilians, most of whom were elderly and unable to flee. The victims were shot by soldiers from the 101st Infantry Division Headquarters and three other battalions, leading to the destruction of nearby villages and displacement of thousands of people. The military's brutal actions in central areas have escalated in response to...
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