Current status of therapeutic and vaccine approaches against Zika virus

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a global threat because it is spreading at an alarming rate because of its wider range of transmission routes. The neuroteratogenic nature of ZIKV infection is posing serious threats to unborn lives therefore, it is necessary to develop an ideal ZIKV prophylactic or therapeutic agent urgently. Researchers are having tough time finding a treatment for ZIKV in part because of serious consequences of vaccines and drugs to unborn lives and pregnant women. However, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of therapeutic efficacy of DNA vaccine, recombinant subunit vaccine, and ZIKV purified inactivated vaccine offers hope for human protection. Large number of food and drug administration (FDA) approved drugs as wells as compounds with anti-ZIKV activity offer valuable opportunity to control the massive bio-burden of this catastrophic epidemic. Some evidences suggest that immunotherapeutics might prove to be winning strategy in pregnant females. Here, we review the recent advances and current knowledge regarding therapeutic interventions against ZIKV infection. This article will provide baseline data and roadmap to prosecute further research for the development of novel therapeutic strategy to curb the explosive rise in ZIKV.