Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2025
Zika Virus Infectious Cell Culture System and the In Vitro Prophylactic Effect of Interferons
Published on: August 23, 2016
MicroRNA profiles in Zika virus infection: Insights from diverse sources
Mohammad Javad Mousavi1, Nasir Arefinia2, Mohammad Azarsa3
1Department of Hematology, School of Para-Medicine, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
Background:
Zika virus (ZIKV) stands as one of the most significant reemerging viral pathogens, linked to neurological diseases such as meningoencephalitis and congenital microcephaly. Today there are no effective therapies for treating ZIKV-infected patients. MiRNAs play a critical role in regulating cellular signaling and physiological conditions, and alterations in their profiles can bear great significance in disease progression.
Objectives:
Despite significant progress in understanding the interaction between the ZIKV and its host since the outbreak, a more comprehensive understanding on these interactions is imperative. This review aims to summarize the studies in the field and shed light on the intricate relationship between ZIKV and its host at the molecular level.
Content:
We found that in ZIKV-infected humans, over-expression of miR-431-5p and miR-30e-5p plays a crucial role in innate immune responses and contributes to neurological damage. Additionally, in ZIKA-infected mice, we observed upregulated expression of all the targets of miR-124-3p including CCL2, IL7, IRF1, and SBNO2. Notably, other targets of this miRNA include TLR6, TNF, STAT3, and NF-kB also exhibited upregulation in the central nervous system (CNS) of infected mice. Conversely, miR-654-3p levels were reduced, correlating with the upregulation of its predicted targets including FLT3LG, LITAF, CD69, and TLR2. In the case of insects, aae-miR-286a/b-3p was predicted to target all ZIKV genotypes. This specific miRNA is typically found in ovaries and can be transferred to embryos. In conclusion, our findings suggest that host microRNAs and ZIKV-encoded microRNAs hold promise as potential targets for the diagnosis of ZIKV infections and may even serve as a therapeutic approach for managing this infectious disease.
Insights
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection impacts innate immunity and causes neurological damage. Host microRNAs (miRNAs) show potential for ZIKV diagnosis and therapy.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) is a significant reemerging pathogen linked to severe neurological conditions like meningoencephalitis and congenital microcephaly.
- Currently, no effective treatments exist for ZIKV infections.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of cellular processes, and their dysregulation is implicated in disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review and elucidate the intricate molecular interactions between ZIKV and its host.
- To summarize current research on host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of miRNA expression profiles in ZIKV-infected humans and mice.
- Identification of miRNA targets and their role in immune response and neurological damage.
- Investigation of miRNA involvement in insect vectors.
Main Results:
- Overexpression of miR-431-5p and miR-30e-5p in humans correlates with innate immune response and neurological damage.
- Upregulation of miR-124-3p targets (e.g., CCL2, IL7, IRF1, SBNO2, TLR6, TNF, STAT3, NF-kB) observed in the CNS of infected mice.
- Reduced miR-654-3p levels correlated with target upregulation (e.g., FLT3LG, LITAF, CD69, TLR2).
- aae-miR-286a/b-3p in insects predicted to target all ZIKV genotypes and can be transferred to embryos.
Conclusions:
- Host and ZIKV-encoded miRNAs represent promising biomarkers for ZIKV infection diagnosis.
- These miRNAs may offer potential therapeutic strategies for managing ZIKV infections.
