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Updated: Mar 5, 2026
High-throughput Antiviral Assays to Screen for Inhibitors of Zika Virus Replication
Published on: October 30, 2021
The Race To Find Antivirals for Zika Virus
Juan-Carlos Saiz1, Miguel A Martín-Acebes1
1Department of Biotechnology, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain jcsaiz@inia.es martin.mangel@inia.es.
Abstract:
Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes, was an almost neglected pathogen until its introduction in the Americas in 2015 and its subsequent explosive spread throughout the continent, where it has infected millions of people. The virus has caused social and sanitary alarm, mainly due to its association with severe neurological disorders (Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly in fetuses and newborns). Nowadays, no specific antiviral therapy against ZIKV is available. However, during the past months, a great effort has been made to search for antiviral candidates using different approaches and methodologies, ranging from testing specific compounds with known antiviral activity to the screening of libraries with hundreds of bioactive molecules. The identified antiviral candidates include drugs targeting viral components as well as cellular ones. Here, an updated review of what has been done in this line is presented.
Insights
Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks have spurred antiviral research. Scientists are actively identifying potential ZIKV therapies targeting viral or cellular components, as no specific treatment currently exists.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) emerged as a significant global health threat after its 2015 introduction to the Americas.
- ZIKV infection is linked to severe neurological conditions, including Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly in newborns.
- There is currently no specific antiviral therapy available for ZIKV infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of antiviral drug discovery efforts for Zika virus.
- To summarize recent research on identifying and developing ZIKV antiviral candidates.
- To highlight therapeutic strategies targeting both viral and host cell components.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on ZIKV antiviral research.
- Analysis of different methodologies employed in antiviral screening and identification.
- Categorization of identified antiviral candidates based on their therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- Numerous antiviral candidates against ZIKV have been identified through various screening approaches.
- Identified candidates include compounds targeting viral proteins and host cell factors essential for ZIKV replication.
- A diverse range of therapeutic strategies are under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in the search for effective ZIKV antiviral therapies.
- The development of ZIKV treatments is crucial for managing future outbreaks and associated neurological complications.
- Continued research is vital to advance potential antiviral drugs from laboratory findings to clinical application.
