Transcriptome analysis of 3D-grown JEG-3 cells exposed to Trypanosoma cruzi

Vertical transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) has become a globalized health problem. The main mechanisms that lead to fetal infection by this parasite remain poorly understood. To model the human placenta environment, we used a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture system of syncytiotrophoblasts (SYNs) and showed that 3D-grown SYNs are highly resistant to T. cruzi infection. We explored the immunological signatures that drive SYNs infection control using RNA sequencing and whole transcriptome analysis.