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
