Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100101, China.
Nat Commun. 2017 Jul 25;8:15672. doi: 10.1038/ncomms15672.
Zika virus (ZIKV), a re-emerging flavivirus associated with neurological disorders, has spread rapidly to more than 70 countries and territories. However, no specific vaccines or antiviral drugs are currently available to prevent or treat ZIKV infection. Here we report that a synthetic peptide derived from the stem region of ZIKV envelope protein, designated Z2, potently inhibits infection of ZIKV and other flaviviruses in vitro. We show that Z2 interacts with ZIKV surface protein and disrupts the integrity of the viral membrane. Z2 can penetrate the placental barrier to enter fetal tissues and is safe for use in pregnant mice. Intraperitoneal administration of Z2 inhibits vertical transmission of ZIKV in pregnant C57BL/6 mice and protects type I or type I/II interferon receptor-deficient mice against lethal ZIKV challenge. Thus, Z2 has potential to be further developed as an antiviral treatment against ZIKV infection in high-risk populations, particularly pregnant women.
寨卡病毒（ZIKV）是一种重新出现的黄病毒，与神经紊乱有关，已迅速传播到 70 多个国家和地区。然而，目前尚无预防或治疗 ZIKV 感染的特定疫苗或抗病毒药物。在这里，我们报告说，一种源自 ZIKV 包膜蛋白茎区的合成肽，称为 Z2，能够有效地抑制 ZIKV 和其他黄病毒的体外感染。我们表明，Z2 与 ZIKV 表面蛋白相互作用并破坏病毒膜的完整性。Z2 可以穿透胎盘屏障进入胎儿组织，并且对怀孕小鼠使用是安全的。腹腔内给予 Z2 可抑制 ZIKV 在怀孕 C57BL/6 小鼠中的垂直传播，并保护 I 型或 I/II 型干扰素受体缺陷型小鼠免受致死性 ZIKV 攻击。因此，Z2 有可能进一步开发为针对高危人群（特别是孕妇）ZIKV 感染的抗病毒治疗药物。
Zotero 插件
