Grant: Project Grant

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging mosquito-borne pathogen that is a significant global health concern. Although historically a mild infection characterized by flu-like symptoms that was limited to Africa and Asia, the recents outbreaks in South and Latin America, as well as the Southern USA, has been associated with more severe neurological complications including Guillain-Barré syndrome and fetal microcephaly. Since outbreaks were relatively rare until recently, no vaccine or specific treatment exists for ZIKV. In addition, research on the virus has been limited, meaning that few molecular tools and animal models exist to study the virus. Furthermore, we currently have a poor understanding of the factors that have led to the rapid spread and increased severity of the currently circulating ZIKV strains. In the current proposal, we will study ZIKV infection, pathogenesis, and the immune response to infection. We will compare several historical ZIKV isolates in order to better understand the factors underlying the rapid dissemination and increased severity of ZIKV in recent outbreaks. This comparative analysis of historical ZIKV isolates will allow us to gain a broader understanding of viral replication, pathogenesis and the immune response to ZIKV infection. In turn, this will help inform the design and screening of antivirals and the development of effective vaccine strategies.