Investigating the molecular basis of rubella virus-induced teratogenesis: a literature review

Abstract

Rubella virus (RV) is the etiologic agent of rubella, a disease more commonly known as German measles. The 1940 rubella epidemic in Australia allowed for the identification of RV as a teratogenic agent: infection early in pregnancy causes a variety of birth defects collectively referred to as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Although rigorous immunization policies have dramatically reduced the incidence of CRS, it is still estimated that around 100,000 infants are born with CRS every year. Furthermore, in light of the recent Zika virus epidemic which is now known to be a causative agent of microcephaly and other birth defects, a deeper understanding of RV may help elucidate the paradigm of viral teratogenesis and aid in the development of therapeutic agents to prevent the development of birth defects in fetuses after maternal infection. This review aims to give a summary of the current knowledge regarding the molecular biology of the virus followed by an overview of potential mechanisms of RV-induced teratogenesis as well as suggestions for possible future directions for research.