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Updated: Oct 21, 2025

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Evaluation of Zika Virus-specific T-cell Responses in Immunoprivileged Organs of Infected Ifnar1-/- Mice
Published on: October 17, 2018
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Human host genetics and susceptibility to ZIKV infection
Pauline Ferraris1, Sineewanlaya Wichit2, Nadège Cordel3
1MIVEGEC, Univ. Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, 34394 Montpellier, France.
Summary
Emerging infectious diseases like Zika virus (ZIKV) are influenced by climate change. This review explores human genetic factors, specifically single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), impacting ZIKV infection outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Emerging infectious diseases pose significant global health challenges.
- Climate change and anthropogenic factors accelerate pathogen emergence.
- The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic highlighted the need to study sporadic viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review human genetic factors associated with Zika virus (ZIKV) pathogenesis.
- To identify candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influencing ZIKV infection.
- To inform targeted monitoring strategies for emerging infectious diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on host genetic factors in ZIKV infection.
- Analysis of high-throughput sequencing and genome-wide association studies.
- Examination of CRISPR screening data for host factor identification.
Main Results:
- Several human single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are linked to ZIKV infection susceptibility and severity.
- Host genetic variations play a crucial role in ZIKV pathogenesis.
- Identification of specific genetic targets for potential therapeutic or preventative strategies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding host genetics is vital for managing ZIKV and other emerging infectious diseases.
- Targeted SNP analysis can enhance disease surveillance and intervention.
- Further research into host-pathogen genetic interactions is warranted.

