Envelope Protein-Targeting Zika Virus Entry Inhibitors

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Zika virus (ZIKV) causes severe neurological conditions, including congenital Zika syndrome and Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
• While primarily mosquito-borne, ZIKV transmission occurs through other routes, necessitating broad-spectrum countermeasures.
• The ZIKV envelope (E) protein is vital for viral entry and pathogenesis, representing a prime target for therapeutic intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the life cycle, genome, and proteins of ZIKV.
• To illustrate the structure and function of the ZIKV E protein.
• To summarize ZIKV E protein-targeting entry inhibitors and discuss development challenges.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ZIKV biology and E protein structure-function.
• Analysis of existing entry inhibitors, focusing on natural products and small molecules.
• Identification of challenges in developing ZIKV entry inhibitors.

Main Results:

• The ZIKV E protein's critical role in viral entry and pathogenesis is detailed.
• Various E protein-targeting entry inhibitors, including those from natural products and small molecules, are summarized.
• Key challenges hindering the development of effective ZIKV inhibitors are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Targeting the ZIKV E protein is a promising strategy for developing effective entry inhibitors.
• Further research is needed to overcome challenges and develop safe and potent ZIKV inhibitors.
• This review provides guidance for future development of ZIKV entry inhibitors.