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Updated: Sep 29, 2025
High-throughput Antiviral Assays to Screen for Inhibitors of Zika Virus Replication
Published on: October 30, 2021
Zika M-A Potential Viroporin: Mutational Study and Drug Repurposing
Prabhat Pratap Singh Tomar1, Miriam Krugliak1, Anamika Singh1
1Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus Givat-Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
Abstract:
Genus Flavivirus contains several important human pathogens. Among these, the Zika virus is an emerging etiological agent that merits concern. One of its structural proteins, prM, plays an essential role in viral maturation and assembly, making it an attractive drug and vaccine development target. Herein, we have characterized ZikV-M as a potential viroporin candidate using three different bacteria-based assays. These assays were subsequently employed to screen a library of repurposed drugs from which ten compounds were identified as ZikV-M blockers. Mutational analyses of conserved amino acids in the transmembrane domain of other flaviviruses, including West Nile and Dengue virus, were performed to study their role in ion channel activity. In conclusion, our data show that ZikV-M is a potential ion channel that can be used as a drug target for high throughput screening and drug repurposing.
Insights
Zika virus prM protein (ZikV-M) functions as a potential viroporin. Researchers identified ten repurposed drugs that block ZikV-M, offering new therapeutic targets for Zika virus infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Drug Discovery
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Flavivirus genus includes significant human pathogens.
- Zika virus is an emerging threat.
- The Zika virus prM protein is crucial for viral maturation and assembly, presenting a potential drug target.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the Zika virus prM protein (ZikV-M) as a potential viroporin.
- To screen repurposed drugs for ZikV-M blocking activity.
- To investigate the ion channel function of ZikV-M.
Main Methods:
- Utilized three bacteria-based assays to assess ZikV-M.
- Screened a library of repurposed drugs against ZikV-M.
- Performed mutational analyses on conserved amino acids in the transmembrane domain.
Main Results:
- ZikV-M was characterized as a potential viroporin.
- Ten repurposed drug compounds were identified as ZikV-M blockers.
- Mutational analyses provided insights into ion channel activity.
Conclusions:
- ZikV-M exhibits potential ion channel activity.
- ZikV-M serves as a viable drug target for high-throughput screening.
- Drug repurposing presents a promising strategy for targeting ZikV-M.
