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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
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Zika Virus Infectious Cell Culture System and the In Vitro Prophylactic Effect of Interferons
Published on: August 23, 2016
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Nanoluciferase Reporter Zika Viruses as Tools for Assessing Infection Kinetics and Antibody Potency
Yanqun Xu1, Devin Vertrees1, Yong He1
1Laboratory of Plasma Derivatives, Division of Plasma Protein Therapeutics, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA.
Viruses
|November 25, 2023
Summary
New Zika virus (ZIKV) reporter variants enable high-throughput screening for effective anti-ZIKV treatments. These tools aid research into ZIKV's teratogenic effects and therapeutic development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) is endemic in tropical/subtropical regions, posing a global health risk.
- ZIKV infection can cause severe teratogenic effects on developing fetuses.
- Mechanisms of placental viral spread and effective treatments for ZIKV remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate novel ZIKV reporter variants for enhanced research capabilities.
- To assess the utility of these variants in cell culture and in vivo models.
- To facilitate the development of anti-ZIKV therapeutics and vaccines.
Main Methods:
- Engineered ZIKV variants expressing nanoluciferase.
- Propagation in susceptible cell lines (Vero, human placenta).
- Neutralization assays using bioluminescence readout.
- Transcytosis experiments and guinea pig studies.
Main Results:
- Reporter ZIKV variants successfully propagated in relevant cell lines.
- Bioluminescence readout provided neutralization curves comparable to the clinical isolate PRVABC59.
- Variants demonstrated suitability for high-throughput screening.
- Reporter variants proved useful in transcytosis and in vivo models.
Conclusions:
- Engineered ZIKV reporter variants are valuable tools for studying ZIKV pathophysiology.
- These variants facilitate high-throughput screening for anti-ZIKV therapeutics.
- The developed reporter system aids in evaluating the safety and efficacy of potential treatments.
