Zika Virus Exploits Key Brain Development Protein to Boost Replication
New research reveals how Zika virus hijacks the ANKLE2 protein, critical for fetal brain growth, to enhance its reproduction and evade immune detection.
- The Zika virus uses the ANKLE2 protein, essential for brain development, to form replication pockets that shield it from the immune system.
- Unlike related viruses such as dengue and yellow fever, Zika crosses the placenta, causing severe fetal conditions like microcephaly.
- Researchers demonstrated that silencing the ANKLE2 gene in human and mosquito cells reduces Zika virus replication efficiency.
- The interaction between Zika's NS4A protein and ANKLE2 is conserved across related mosquito-borne viruses, suggesting potential targets for broad-spectrum antiviral therapies.
- The findings could guide the development of new vaccines or treatments for Zika and similar viruses by disrupting their reliance on ANKLE2.
GEN 
Technology Networks 