Zika virus is feared by pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, because the infection can cause malformations of the fetal brain. The virus is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. Researchers at the Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI) have studied in vitro how the zika virus suppresses a protein effect of the innate antiviral immune response.

Using cultures with different cell types (HaCat, A549, Vero, and HT-1080 cells) and two different strains of zika virus ("French Polynesia H/PF2013 and Uganda 976), the team studied what effects zika virus has on tetherin messenger RNA expression and resulting protein production.

The researchers found that while infected cells produce increased levels of the antiviral tetherin protein in response to viral infection, the zika virus is able to mediate the rapid lysosomal degradation of tetherin, successfully subverting immune defenses.

The findings are also significant for other viral infections.

Original publication:
Herrlein ML, Schmanke P, Elgner F, Sabino C, Akhras S, Bender D, Glitscher M, Tabari D, Scholl C, Stingl J, Hildt E (2021): Catch me if you can - the crosstalk of ZIKV and the restriction factor tetherin. Journal of Virology, December 22, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.02117-21

Source and further information:
https://www.pei.de/DE/newsroom/pm/jahr/2022/01-immun-escape-strategie-zikavirus-erkenntnisse-entwicklung-antivirale-therapien.html