Dengue Antibody May Block The Spread Of Zika Virus In Vulnerable Areas Of The Body

A caller study from nan University of Alabama astatine Birmingham reveals that an antibody primitively designed to conflict dengue microorganism whitethorn besides artifact nan dispersed of Zika microorganism successful susceptible areas of nan assemblage - including nan reproductive organs. The findings, published coming successful nan Journal of Virology, connection caller dream successful nan conflict against a microorganism that has affected much than 80 countries since 2007 and poses superior risks to pregnant women and their babies.

What makes Zika particularly vulnerable is its expertise to hide successful protected areas of nan body, including nan brain, eyes and reproductive organs, wherever it tin linger undetected. Even much troubling, Zika tin beryllium passed done activity aliases from a pregnant mother to her baby, perchance starring to terrible commencement defects.

In this caller study, led by J. Victor Garcia, Ph.D., and Angela Wahl, Ph.D., successful nan Department of Microbiology astatine UAB, scientists tested nan effectiveness of nan C10 dengue microorganism antibody utilizing a caller preclinical successful vivo model. They recovered that a single dose of C10 administered earlier Zika microorganism exposure:

• Significantly suppressed viral replication in humor and tissues
• Prevented viral shedding in saliva and reproductive secretions
• Reduced viral levels in nan brain, eyes and reproductive organs
• Improved endurance rates in preclinical models

Our activity lays nan instauration for deploying passive immunization strategies successful high-risk populations. This could beryllium a game-changer successful outbreak response, particularly successful regions wherever Zika is endemic aliases resurging."

J. Victor Garcia, Ph.D., Department of Microbiology at UAB

Researchers evaluated nan antiviral compound DFMA (7-deaza-2'-C-methyladenosine), which importantly reduced viremia and prolonged endurance successful a preclinical model.

"This study provides compelling grounds that antibody-based therapies tin beryllium utilized to trim systemic infection and target nan very tissues wherever Zika hides and causes nan astir damage," Wahl said. "This is particularly important for protecting pregnant individuals and preventing intersexual transmission during early outbreaks."

Currently, location are nary approved treatments for Zika virus. This investigation marks a important measurement toward processing effective countermeasures against early outbreaks.

Other collaborating institutions successful this study see nan University of North Carolina astatine Chapel Hill and Emory University.

Funding for this study was provided by nan National Institutes of Health assistance AI106695 (R.S.B.).