A new study by the University of Alabama in Birmingham reveals that an antibody initially designed to combat the dengue virus can also block the propagation of the Zika virus in vulnerable areas of the body – including reproductive organs. The results, published today in the Journal of Virology, offer a new hope in the fight against a virus which has affected more than 80 countries since 2007 and has serious risks for pregnant women and their babies.
What makes Zika particularly dangerous is his ability to hide in the protected areas of the body, including the brain, eyes and reproductive organs, where he can linger unteashed. Even more disturbing, Zika can go through sex or a pregnant mother to her baby, potentially causing serious congenital malformations.
In this new study, led by J. Victor Garcia, Ph.D., and Angela Wahl, PH.D., in the UAB microbiology department, scientists have tested the effectiveness of the dengue C10 antibody using a new pre -vivo preplinical model. They found that a single dose of C10 was administered before exposure to the Zika virus:
- Significantly removed viral replication in the blood and tissues
- Prevented viral loss in saliva and reproductive secretions
- Reduction of viral levels in the brain, eyes and reproductive organs
- Improvement of survival rates in preclinical models
Our work set the foundations for the deployment of passive immunization strategies in high -risk populations. This could change the situation in the response to epidemics, especially in the regions where Zika is endemic or thanking. “”
J. Victor Garcia, Ph.D.,
The researchers evaluated the antiviral compound DFMA (7-deaza-2′-c-methyladenosine), which considerably reduced viremia and prolonged survival in a preclinical model.
“This study provides convincing evidence that antibody therapies can be used to reduce systemic infection and target the tissues where Zika hides and causes the most damage,” Wahl said. “This is particularly important to protect pregnant people and prevent sexual transmission during future epidemics. »»
Currently, there is no approved treatments for the Zika virus. This research marks an important step towards the development of effective countermeasures against future epidemics.
Other collaboration institutions in this study include the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and Emory University.
The financing of this study was provided by the National Institutes of Health Grant AI106695 (RSB).
