scholarly journals Host-Directed Antivirals: a Realistic Alternative to Fight Zika Virus

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan-Carlos Saiz ◽  
Nereida Jiménez de Oya ◽  
Ana-Belén Blázquez ◽  
Estela Escribano-Romero ◽  
Miguel A. Martín-Acebes
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Antiviral Activity ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Structural Proteins ◽  
Great Effort ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Viral Components ◽  
Specific Antiviral Therapy

Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, was an almost neglected pathogen until its introduction in the Americas in 2015, where it has been responsible for a threat to global health, causing a great social and sanitary alarm due to its increased virulence, rapid spread, and an association with severe neurological and ophthalmological complications. Currently, no specific antiviral therapy against ZIKV is available, and treatments are palliative and mainly directed to symptoms relief, such as fever and rash, by administering antipyretics, anti-histamines, and fluids for dehydration. Nevertheless, lately, a great effort has been made to search for antiviral candidates using different approaches and methodologies, ranging from repurposing of specific compounds with known antiviral activity to the screening of libraries and of natural compounds. The identified antiviral candidates include drugs targeting viral components (structural proteins and enzymes), as well as cellular ones. Here, we present an updated review of current knowledge about anti-ZIKV strategies, focusing on host-directed antivirals as a realistic alternative to combat ZIKV infection.

scholarly journals Host-Directed Antivirals: A Realistic Alternative to Fight Zika Virus

Viruses ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan-Carlos Saiz ◽  
Nereida Oya ◽  
Ana-Belén Blázquez ◽  
Estela Escribano-Romero ◽  
Miguel Martín-Acebes
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Antiviral Activity ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Structural Proteins ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Different Sources ◽  
Specific Antiviral Therapy ◽  
Do So

Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, was an almost neglected pathogen until its introduction in the Americas in 2015, where it has been responsible for a threat to global health, causing a great social and sanitary alarm due to its increased virulence, rapid spread, and an association with severe neurological and ophthalmological complications. Currently, no specific antiviral therapy against ZIKV is available, and treatments are palliative and mainly directed toward the relief of symptoms, such as fever and rash, by administering antipyretics, anti-histamines, and fluids for dehydration. Nevertheless, lately, search for antivirals has been a major aim in ZIKV investigations. To do so, screening of libraries from different sources, testing of natural compounds, and repurposing of drugs with known antiviral activity have allowed the identification of several antiviral candidates directed to both viral (structural proteins and enzymes) and cellular elements. Here, we present an updated review of current knowledge about anti-ZIKV strategies, focusing on host-directed antivirals as a realistic alternative to combat ZIKV infection.

scholarly journals The Race To Find Antivirals for Zika Virus

2017 ◽  
Vol 61 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan-Carlos Saiz ◽  
Miguel A. Martín-Acebes
Keyword(s):  
Antiviral Activity ◽  
Antiviral Therapy ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Neurological Disorders ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Guillain Barre Syndrome ◽  
Great Effort ◽  
The Past ◽  
Viral Components ◽  
Specific Antiviral Therapy

ABSTRACT Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes, was an almost neglected pathogen until its introduction in the Americas in 2015 and its subsequent explosive spread throughout the continent, where it has infected millions of people. The virus has caused social and sanitary alarm, mainly due to its association with severe neurological disorders (Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly in fetuses and newborns). Nowadays, no specific antiviral therapy against ZIKV is available. However, during the past months, a great effort has been made to search for antiviral candidates using different approaches and methodologies, ranging from testing specific compounds with known antiviral activity to the screening of libraries with hundreds of bioactive molecules. The identified antiviral candidates include drugs targeting viral components as well as cellular ones. Here, an updated review of what has been done in this line is presented.

scholarly journals N-Methyl-d-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Blockade Prevents Neuronal Death Induced by Zika Virus Infection

mBio ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian V. Costa ◽  
Juliana L. Del Sarto ◽  
Rebeca F. Rocha ◽  
Flavia R. Silva ◽  
Juliana G. Doria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Drug Treatment ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Neuronal Death ◽  
Neuronal Damage ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Experimental Animals

ABSTRACT Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a global health emergency that causes significant neurodegeneration. Neurodegenerative processes may be exacerbated by N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent neuronal excitoxicity. Here, we have exploited the hypothesis that ZIKV-induced neurodegeneration can be rescued by blocking NMDA overstimulation with memantine. Our results show that ZIKV actively replicates in primary neurons and that virus replication is directly associated with massive neuronal cell death. Interestingly, treatment with memantine or other NMDAR blockers, including dizocilpine (MK-801), agmatine sulfate, or ifenprodil, prevents neuronal death without interfering with the ability of ZIKV to replicate in these cells. Moreover, in vivo experiments demonstrate that therapeutic memantine treatment prevents the increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) induced by infection and massively reduces neurodegeneration and microgliosis in the brain of infected mice. Our results indicate that the blockade of NMDARs by memantine provides potent neuroprotective effects against ZIKV-induced neuronal damage, suggesting it could be a viable treatment for patients at risk for ZIKV infection-induced neurodegeneration. IMPORTANCE Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a global health emergency associated with serious neurological complications, including microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Infection of experimental animals with ZIKV causes significant neuronal damage and microgliosis. Treatment with drugs that block NMDARs prevented neuronal damage both in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that overactivation of NMDARs contributes significantly to the neuronal damage induced by ZIKV infection, and this is amenable to inhibition by drug treatment. IMPORTANCE Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a global health emergency associated with serious neurological complications, including microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Infection of experimental animals with ZIKV causes significant neuronal damage and microgliosis. Treatment with drugs that block NMDARs prevented neuronal damage both in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that overactivation of NMDARs contributes significantly to the neuronal damage induced by ZIKV infection, and this is amenable to inhibition by drug treatment.

scholarly journals Recombinant Zika Virus Subunits Are Immunogenic and Efficacious in Mice

mSphere ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert To ◽  
Liana O. Medina ◽  
Kenji O. Mfuh ◽  
Michael M. Lieberman ◽  
Teri Ann S. Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Vaccine Candidate ◽  
French Polynesia ◽  
Protein Vaccine ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Excellent Safety Profile ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
Specific Antiviral Therapy

The recent outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in French Polynesia, the Caribbean, and the Americas have highlighted the severe neuropathological sequelae that such an infection may cause. The development of a safe, effective ZIKV vaccine is critical for several reasons: (i) the difficulty in diagnosing an active infection due to common nonspecific symptoms, (ii) the lack of a specific antiviral therapy, and (iii) the potentially devastating pathological effects ofin uteroinfection. Moreover, a vaccine with an excellent safety profile, such as a nonreplicating, noninfectious vaccine, would be ideal for high-risk people (e.g., pregnant women, immunocompromised patients, and elderly individuals). This report describes the development of a recombinant subunit protein vaccine candidate derived from stably transformed insect cells expressing the ZIKV envelope proteinin vitro, the primary antigen to which effective virus-neutralizing antibodies are engendered by immunized animals for several other flaviviruses; the vaccine candidate elicits effective virus-neutralizing antibodies against ZIKV and provides protection against ZIKV infection in mice.

scholarly journals Zika virus: a new pandemic threat

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (03) ◽  
pp. 201-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Ali Al-Qahtani ◽  
Nyla Nazir ◽  
Mashael R. Al-Anazi ◽  
Salvatore Rubino ◽  
Mohammed N. Al-Ahdal
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Blood Donation ◽  
French Polynesia ◽  
Western Hemisphere ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Screening And Identification ◽  
Pandemic Threat ◽  
Contaminated Blood

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging arbovirus of the Flaviviridae family and is related to dengue, Chikungunya, West Nile, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis viruses. ZIKV was first discovered in Uganda in 1947. Different species of mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly A. aegypti and A. albopictus are the vectors responsible for ZIKV infection in humans. It is also reported that ZIKV is transmitted congenitally, sexually, and through blood donation. Until recently, ZIKV outbreaks were sporadic and self-limiting. The first large epidemic was reported from Yap Island in 2007 followed by an outbreak of Zika fever in French Polynesia in 2013. Brazil is the epicenter of the current ZIKV epidemic which is rapidly spreading across the Americas. ZIKV infection remained relatively less studied in view of its low case numbers, and low clinical impact relative to other arboviruses. However, all this is set to change with its rapid spread in the Western hemisphere and suspected complications particularly microcephaly in newborn babies with ZIKV infected mothers. ZIKV is expected to substantially add to both short-term and long-term economic burden of the effected countries. Due to the large number of people travelling across the borders and some reported cases of transmission of ZIKV via contaminated blood, screening and identification of asymptomatic infected individuals are important.

scholarly journals Advances in Zika Virus–Host Cell Interaction: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae Lee ◽  
Ok Shin
Keyword(s):  
Host Cell ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Cell Interaction ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Host Cell Interaction

Emerging mosquito-transmitted RNA viruses, such as Zika virus (ZIKV) and Chikungunya represent human pathogens of an immense global health problem. In particular, ZIKV has emerged explosively since 2007 to cause a series of epidemics in the South Pacific and most recently in the Americas. Although typical ZIKV infections are asymptomatic, ZIKV infection during pregnancy is increasingly associated with microcephaly and other fetal developmental abnormalities. In the last few years, genomic and molecular investigations have established a remarkable progress on the pathogenic mechanisms of ZIKV infection using in vitro and in vivo models. Here, we highlight recent advances in ZIKV-host cell interaction studies, including cellular targets of ZIKV, ZIKV-mediated cell death mechanisms, host cell restriction factors that limit ZIKV replication, and immune evasion mechanisms utilized by ZIKV. Understanding of the mechanisms of ZIKV–host interaction at the cellular level will contribute crucial insights into the development of ZIKV therapeutics and vaccines.

scholarly journals Zika Virus Production Is Resistant to RNase L Antiviral Activity

2019 ◽  
Vol 93 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jillian N. Whelan ◽  
Yize Li ◽  
Robert H. Silverman ◽  
Susan R. Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Antiviral Activity ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Viral Genome ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Virus Production ◽  
Type I ◽  
Rnase L ◽  
Oligoadenylate Synthetase ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Initial Report

SUMMARYThere is currently no knowledge of how the emerging human pathogen Zika virus (ZIKV) interacts with the antiviral endoribonuclease L (RNase L) pathway during infection. Since activation of RNase L during infection typically limits virus production dramatically, we used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to knockout (KO) targeted host genes involved in the RNase L pathway to evaluate the effects of RNase L on ZIKV infection in human A549 cells. RNase L was activated in response to ZIKV infection, which degraded ZIKV genomic RNA. Surprisingly, despite viral genome reduction, RNase L activity did not reduce ZIKV infectious titers. In contrast, both the flavivirus dengue virus and the alphavirus Sindbis virus replicated to significantly higher titers in RNase L KO cells compared to wild-type (WT) cells. Using MAVS/RNase L double KO cells, we demonstrated that the absence of increased ZIKV production in RNase L KO cells was not due to compensation by enhanced type I interferon transcripts to thus inhibit virus production. Finally, when synthetic double-stranded RNA was detected by OAS3 to induce RNase L antiviral activity prior to ZIKV infection, we observed reduced ZIKV replication factory formation, as well as a 42-fold reduction in virus yield in WT but not RNase L KO cells. This study proposes that ZIKV evades RNase L antiviral activity by generating a viral genome reservoir protected from RNase L cleavage during early infection, allowing for sufficient virus production before RNase L activation is detectable.IMPORTANCEWith the onset of the 2015 ZIKV outbreak, ZIKV pathogenesis has been of extreme global public health interest, and a better understanding of interactions with the host would provide insight into molecular mechanisms driving the severe neurological outcomes of ZIKV disease. Here is the initial report on the relationship between ZIKV and the host oligoadenylate synthetase-RNase L (OAS-RNase L) system, a potent antiviral pathway effective at restricting replication of diverse viruses. Our study elucidated a unique mechanism whereby ZIKV production is impervious to antiviral RNase L activity, through a mechanism of viral RNA protection that is not mimicked during infection with numerous other RNase L-activating viruses, thus identifying a distinct replication strategy potentially important for ZIKV pathogenesis.

scholarly journals The citrus flavonoid naringenin impairs the in vitro infection of human cells by Zika virus

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan Henrique Depieri Cataneo ◽  
Diogo Kuczera ◽  
Andrea Cristine Koishi ◽  
Camila Zanluca ◽  
Guilherme Ferreira Silveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiviral Activity ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Antiviral Treatment ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
A549 Cells ◽  
Human Monocyte ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Independent Manner

Abstract The Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family. The ZIKV infection is usually asymptomatic or is associated with mild clinical manifestations; however, increased numbers of cases of microcephaly and birth defects have been recently reported. To date, neither a vaccine nor an antiviral treatment has become available to control ZIKV replication. Among the natural compounds recognized for their medical properties, flavonoids, which can be found in fruits and vegetables, have been found to possess biological activity against a variety of viruses. Here, we demonstrate that the citrus flavanone naringenin (NAR) prevented ZIKV infection in human A549 cells in a concentration-dependent and ZIKV-lineage independent manner. NAR antiviral activity was also observed when primary human monocyte-derived dendritic cells were infected by ZIKV. NAR displayed its antiviral activity when the cells were treated after infection, suggesting that NAR acts on the viral replication or assembly of viral particles. Moreover, a molecular docking analysis suggests a potential interaction between NAR and the protease domain of the NS2B-NS3 protein of ZIKV which could explain the anti-ZIKV activity of NAR. Finally, the results support the potential of NAR as a suitable candidate molecule for developing anti-ZIKV treatments.

scholarly journals Network of Interactions between ZIKA Virus Non-structural Proteins and Human Host Proteins

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Volha A. Golubeva ◽  
Thales C. Nepomuceno ◽  
Giuliana de Gregoriis ◽  
Rafael D. Mesquita ◽  
Xueli Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Neural Progenitor Cells ◽  
Affinity Purification ◽  
Genetic Disorders ◽  
Interaction Network ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Structural Proteins ◽  
Infected Mosquito ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Human Proteins

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne Flavivirus and can be transmitted through an infected mosquito bite or through human-to-human interaction by sexual activity, blood transfusion, breastfeeding or perinatal exposure. After the 2015-2016 outbreak in Brazil, a strong link between ZIKV infection and microcephaly emerged. ZIKV specifically targets human neural progenitor cells, suggesting that proteins encoded by ZIKV bind and inactivate host cell proteins leading to microcephaly. Here, we present a systematic annotation of interactions between human proteins and the seven non-structural ZIKV proteins corresponding to a Brazilian isolate. The interaction network was generated by combining tandem-affinity purification followed by mass spectrometry with yeast two-hybrid screens. We identified 150 human proteins, involved in distinct biological processes, as interactors to ZIKV non-structural proteins. Our interacting network is composed of proteins that have been previously associated with microcephaly in human genetic disorders and/or animal models. This study builds on previously published interacting networks of ZIKV and genes related to autosomal recessive primary microcephaly to generate a catalog of human cellular targets of ZIKV proteins implicated in processes related to microcephaly in humans. Collectively, this data can be used as a resource for future characterization of ZIKV infection biology and help create a basis for the discovery of drugs which may disrupt the interaction and reduce the health damage to the fetus.

scholarly journals Chloroquine inhibits Zika Virus infection in different cellular models

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Delvecchio ◽  
Luiza M Higa ◽  
Paula Pezzuto ◽  
Ana Luiza Valadão ◽  
Patrícia P Garcez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiviral Activity ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Antiviral Agents ◽  
Virus Production ◽  
Congenital Defects ◽  
Zikv Infection ◽  
Cytotoxic Effects ◽  
Cellular Models ◽  
Infected Cells

SummaryZika virus (ZIKV) infectionin uteromight lead to microcephaly and other congenital defects. In adults, cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome and meningoencephalitis associated with ZIKV infection have been reported, and no specific therapy is available so far. There is urgency for the discovery of antiviral agents capable of inhibiting viral replication and its deleterious effects. Chloroquine is widely administered as an antimalarial drug, anti-inflammatory agent, and it also shows antiviral activity against several viruses. Here we show that chloroquine exhibits antiviral activity against ZIKV in VERO, human brain microvascular endothelial, and neural stem cells. We demonstratedin vitrothat chloroquine reduces the number of ZIKV-infected cells, virus production and cell death promoted by ZIKV infection without cytotoxic effects. Our results suggest that chloroquine is a promising candidate for ZIKV clinical trials, since it is already approved for clinical use and can be safely administered to pregnant woman.

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