The structure of Zika virus decoded

A team of researchers from Tianjin University has solved the structure of the Zika virus helicase, which is a key target for antiviral development.

By: Editorial Team | | Published: May 22, 2016 2:27 pm

A team of researchers from Tianjin University has solved the structure of the Zika virus helicase, which is a key target for antiviral development. The Zika virus can cause microcephaly and other severe birth defects. However, as there are currently no effective vaccines or therapies available to contain ZIKV infection, ZIKV remains a significant challenge to public health. All viruses seem to need a helicase for replication. The Zika virus helicase is a motor enzyme which can convert energy from nucleoside triphosphate to unwind double stranded nucleic acids.

This is an essential step for viral replication. By targeting Zika virus helicase with small-molecule inhibitors, it might be possible to stop viral replication and prevent disease. The scientists have successfully obtained an image at 1.8 angstroms of this viral enzyme. An angstrom is one ten-billionth (10-10) of a meter. This high-resolution image of the Zika virus key enzyme will help scientists develop drugs to treat the Zika virus disease.

The research is published in Springer’s journal Protein & Cell.

How does Zika virus spread?

The Zika virus does not spread easily and it was only now that live virus was found in body fluids such as semen, saliva and urine which suggests a possibility of transmission if you come in close contact with the infected person. The virus is also transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and it can have a deleterious effect on the foetus. If the mother gets infected within the first three months of the pregnancy, there are high chances that the baby is born with microcephaly, the link of which was recently established. Microcephaly is a condition in which the babies are born with a small brain which does not grow as the child grows.

With inputs from ANI

Image source: Getty I

Published: May 22, 2016 2:27 pm

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