 Rubella virus is a major human pathogen that can cause neurological damage in unborn babies if contracted during pregnancy. Despite successful vaccination programs in some areas, the virus remains endemic in many parts of the world, leading to periodic outbreaks. Research into the virus has advanced our understanding of its effects on the developing brain, with particular focus on how it affects microglia, a type of immune cell found in the brain. Our research shows that Rubella virus primarily targets microglia, and that this infection is accompanied by a strong interfere on response from non-microbial cells such as neurons and neural progenitors. The presence of microglia appears to reduce the severity of this response, suggesting that they may play a protective role against the virus. This article was authored by Galena Popova, Hannah Retolak, Chang N. Kim, and others.