The Flaviviridae are a family of positive, single-stranded, enveloped RNA viruses. Dengue virus (DENV), the West Nile virus (WNV), Zika virus (ZIKV), tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), yellow fever virus (YFV), and several other viruses which may cause encephalitis belong to the Flaviviridae.
Since ZIKV is still a public health concern, it appears to increase individuals who have previously infected with DENV and WNV. This is the result of a study reported in Science.
ZIKV was identified in 1947 but remained relatively obscure until 2015. Recent outbreaks makes the Zika virus a big global health concern. Now, Zika infection is thought to be a long-term problem. The virus is transmitted through the Aedes aegypti, a type of mosquito that can also spread many other viruses.
ZIKV can cause a series of birth defects and other health problems such as microcephaly and Guillain–Barré syndrome. The new study, carried out by scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, is a large-scale analysis of ZIKV enhancement by antibodies of individuals previously infected with DENV and WNV.
It has been found that the ZIKV protein is structured similarly to that of DENV and WNV. In the current study, the team used blood samples from people infected with DENV and WNV, and found enhancement of ZIKV growth in cell cultures. The researchers adminstrated these DENV- and WNV-infected plasma to mice that were prone to ZIKV. Mice receiving this plasma showed increased mortality and morbidity.
These results suggest that the antibody-dependent enhancement could be a reason for the severe disease manifestations linked recent ZIKV outbreaks. Moreover the study indicates that it is necessary to better elucidate pre-existing immunity when it comes to developing vaccine. Cusabio provides various antibodies such as NES Monoclonal Antibody.
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