An international research team has developed a new animal model used to study the pathogenesis of the Zika virus. Scientists were able to induce the disease in mice in a way that is similar to human pathology. The new model reflects the most dangerous manifestation of the Zika virus: infection of the fetus from a pregnant woman, which leads to developmental problems. This was achieved due to a new, more pathogenic virus strain, as well as a specially bred group of mice with a human-like immune response. The new model paves the way for more detailed study of the Zika virus, which should result in a more effective fight against it. The research is published in Cell Host & Microbe.