Zika Virus Mucosal Infection Provides Protective Immunity

Area of Science:

• Virology and Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Vaccine Development

Background:

• Zika virus (ZIKV) is a significant human pathogen with sexual transmission potential.
• Understanding ZIKV rectal transmission is crucial for public health, yet poorly understood.
• No licensed vaccines or therapeutics are currently available for ZIKV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immunopathological consequences of ZIKV rectal infection in a mouse model.
• To compare rectal versus subcutaneous ZIKV infection routes.
• To evaluate the potential of mucosal immunization against ZIKV.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a mouse model for ZIKV inoculation via rectal and subcutaneous routes.
• Analyzed viral replication, immune cell infiltration, and antibody responses.
• Assessed protection conferred by rectal mucosal immunization with an attenuated ZIKV strain.

Main Results:

• Rectal ZIKV inoculation led to viremia and subclinical infection, infecting mucosal epithelium and dendritic cells.
• Rectal infection induced serum-neutralizing antibodies but reduced inflammatory monocyte and neutrophil responses compared to subcutaneous.
• Rectal immunization with attenuated ZIKV conferred significant protection against lethal challenge, inducing robust T-cell and antibody memory responses.

Conclusions:

• Rectal ZIKV infection elicits a distinct immunopathological profile and protective immunity.
• Mucosal immunization via the rectal route is a viable strategy for ZIKV prevention.
• This mouse model recapitulates human ZIKV outcomes and informs vaccine development.