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Updated: Feb 14, 2026
Zika Virus Infectious Cell Culture System and the In Vitro Prophylactic Effect of Interferons
Published on: August 23, 2016
Identification of various cell culture models for the study of Zika virus
Kiyoshi Himmelsbach1, Eberhard Hildt1
1Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen 63225, Germany.
Aim:
To identify cell culture models supportive for Zika virus (ZIKV) replication.
Methods:
Various human and non-human cell lines were infected with a defined amount of ZIKV Polynesia strain. Cells were analyzed 48 h post infection for the amount of intracellular and extracellular viral genomes and infectious viral particles by quantitative real-time PCR and virus titration assay. The extent of replication was monitored by immunofluorescence and western blot analysis by using Env and NS1 specific antibodies. Innate immunity was assayed by luciferase reporter assay and immunofluorescence analysis.
Results:
All investigated cell lines except CHO cells supported infection, replication and release of ZIKV. While in infected A549 and Vero cells a pronounced cytopathic effect was observed COS7, 293T and Huh7.5 cells were most resistant. Although the analyzed cell lines released comparable amounts of viral genomes to the supernatant significant differences were found for the number of infectious viral particles. The neuronal cell lines N29.1 and SH-SY5Y released 100 times less infectious viral particles than Vero-, A549- or 293T-cells. However there is no strict correlation between the amount of produced viral particles and the induction of an interferon response in the analyzed cell lines.
Conclusion:
The investigated cell lines with their different tissue origins and diverging ZIKV susceptibility display a toolbox for ZIKV research.
Insights
This study evaluated various cell cultures for Zika virus (ZIKV) replication, finding most support ZIKV infection and release. Different cell lines showed varying ZIKV susceptibility and infectious particle production, offering a toolbox for ZIKV research.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) poses a significant global health threat.
- Understanding ZIKV replication mechanisms requires suitable cell culture models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize cell culture models that effectively support Zika virus (ZIKV) replication.
- To assess ZIKV susceptibility and replication dynamics across diverse human and non-human cell lines.
Main Methods:
- Infection of various cell lines with ZIKV (Polynesia strain).
- Quantification of viral genomes and infectious particles via qRT-PCR and titration assays.
- Analysis of viral replication using immunofluorescence and Western blot.
- Assessment of innate immune response using luciferase reporter assays.
Main Results:
- Most cell lines, excluding CHO cells, supported ZIKV infection, replication, and release.
- A549 and Vero cells exhibited pronounced cytopathic effects; COS7, 293T, and Huh7.5 cells were more resistant.
- Significant variations in infectious viral particle release were observed, with neuronal cell lines producing substantially less infectious virus.
- No direct correlation was found between viral particle production and interferon response induction.
Conclusions:
- The evaluated cell lines, with their varied tissue origins and ZIKV susceptibility, provide a valuable resource for ZIKV research.
- These models enable detailed studies into ZIKV replication, pathogenesis, and host-pathogen interactions.
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