Dengue Antibody and Zika: Friend or Foe?

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne Flavivirus related to dengue that is rapidly spreading through the Americas. This outbreak is occurring in dengue-endemic areas where the population has acquired antibodies to dengue. Recent studies reveal that preexisting dengue antibodies may have opposite effects on Zika infection, transmission, and clinical outcome. Discerning these effects is critical to a better understanding of Zika pathogenesis and the prevention of future outbreaks.