Zika News

Researchers at the University of Maryland's new study shed new light on how Zika virus hijacks our own cellular machinery to break down an essential protein for neurological development, getting it to 'eat itself'. Mechanistically, the Zika virus NS2A interacts with KPNA2 and leads to the reduction of the KPNA2 protein level.

Published on September 28, 2020, this study found through the process known as autophagy, that KPNA2 is degraded via the CMA pathway and that ZIKV infection enhances KPNA2 degradation.

This process may contribute to the development of neurological or brain deficiencies and congenital birth defects in the newborns of infected pregnant women.

UK-based Enesi Pharma and The University of Adelaide announced on September 22, 2020, that they are collaborating to accelerate the development of a novel needle-free vaccine for the Zika virus (ZIKV). This project will utilize a protective Zika virus DNA vaccine developed by the University of Adelaide, with Enesi Pharma’s ImplaVax technology.

The technology delivers a thermostable single solid dose implant containing the vaccine through the skin and into the tissue, without using a needle. Once inserted, the implant dissolves, releasing the active ingredient over time and inducing the desired immune response.

The University of Adelaide researchers will progress the pre-clinical work necessary to take the Zika vaccine to Phase 1 clinical trials. This work will be undertaken in collaboration with colleagues from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Harvard University, and the Duke-National University of Singapore.