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Quantification of Antibody-dependent Enhancement of the Zika Virus in Primary Human Cells
Published on: January 18, 2019
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ADE-ing and Abetting Zika
1Division of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Institute of Arboviruses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China.
Cell Host & Microbe
|May 12, 2017
Summary
Antibodies from dengue virus (DENV) infection can either protect against or worsen Zika virus (ZIKV) disease. A mouse study revealed these DENV antibodies can enhance ZIKV pathogenesis in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Dengue virus (DENV) antibodies exhibit dual effects on Zika virus (ZIKV) in laboratory settings, potentially neutralizing or enhancing infection.
- The in vivo relevance of these antibody-mediated effects on ZIKV pathogenesis remains largely undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo role of pre-existing DENV antibodies in ZIKV infection.
- To determine whether DENV antibodies confer protection or exacerbate ZIKV pathogenesis in a host.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a mouse model to study ZIKV infection in the presence of DENV-immune antibodies.
- Assessed viral loads, disease severity, and survival rates in response to ZIKV challenge.
Main Results:
- DENV-immune antibodies were found to enhance ZIKV infection and pathogenesis in vivo.
- Mice with pre-existing DENV antibodies exhibited increased susceptibility to severe ZIKV disease.
Conclusions:
- Pre-existing dengue virus antibodies can promote Zika virus pathogenesis in a host.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay between flaviviruses and the immune system, with implications for vaccine development and disease management.

