HCMV Infection Reduces Nidogen-1 Expression, Contributing to Impaired Neural Rosette Development in Brain Organoids.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a leading cause of birth defects in humans. These birth defects include microcephaly, sensorineural hearing loss, vision loss, and cognitive impairment. The process by which the developing fetus incurs these neurological defects is poorly understood.