Countering Zika Virus: The USAMRIID Response

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Virology
• Medical Countermeasures

Background:

• The United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) has diverse capabilities for characterizing emerging infectious diseases.
• The Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak presented an opportunity to integrate these capabilities for a rapid response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the integrated rapid response approach developed at USAMRIID for characterizing ZIKV.
• To demonstrate how this approach can accelerate the development of medical countermeasures for emerging biological threats.

Main Methods:

• Next-generation sequencing for virus characterization and spread analysis.
• High Content Imaging for antiviral therapy screening.
• Functional genomics to identify host factors.
• Animal models with advanced imaging (PET) for ZIKV studies.
• Correlative light and electron microscopy for cellular interactions.
• Quantitative mass spectrometry for proteomic and metabolomic analysis.
• Multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization for tissue replication confirmation.

Main Results:

• Successful application of an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to respond to the ZIKV outbreak.
• Characterization of ZIKV stocks, spread, and host interactions.
• Evaluation of antiviral therapies and identification of host factors.
• Demonstration of ZIKV pathogenesis in a novel animal model.

Conclusions:

• The integrated rapid response approach developed at USAMRIID is a successful template for addressing emerging biological threats.
• This streamlined strategy enhances the rapid development, evaluation, and clinical translation of novel medical countermeasures.
• USAMRIID's capabilities provide a robust framework for future infectious disease preparedness and response.