University of Pittsburgh researchers have discovered and characterized a small molecule surrogate, named CZV1-1, for a neutralization epitope on the Zika virus envelope protein. This molecule is the first nonpeptide surrogate and serves as a binding target for human antibodies that bind to a region on domain III of the Zika virus envelope protein. CZV1-1 can be used to develop diagnostic assays with high sensitivity and specificity, especially in populations with high prevalence of dengue antibodies.
Description
CZV1-1-1 is a small molecule surrogate for a neutralization epitope on the Zika virus envelope protein. It was selected from a large library of small molecules using human sera characterized for antibodies to Zika and dengue viruses. CZV1-1-1 binds directly to Zika envelope domain III, blocks the binding of mouse anti-Zika neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, and neutralizes Zika virus growth in plaque reduction neutralization assays. This molecule can be used in diagnostic assays to detect prior Zika virus infection with high sensitivity (80%) and specificity (99%), even in populations with high dengue antibody prevalence. Investigation of the presence of antibodies against Zika prior and during pregnancy is very important to implement infection prevention measures and to determine the viral infection of the mother. In addition, the monitoring of the sex partner is also important due to sexual transmission of the virus.
Applications
• Diagnostic tool for Zika virus infection
• Research tool for studying Zika virus neutralization
• Potential use in developing diagnostic assays for other viruses
Advantages
CZV1-1 offers high accuracy and specificity (99%) in detecting Zika virus infections, even in the presence of high dengue antibody levels. As the first nonpeptide small molecule surrogate for a virus neutralizing epitope, CZV1-1 represents a novel approach that is highly stable and can be preserved at room temperature and used in a variety of point-of-care rapid test platforms
Invention Readiness
Diagnostic assays based on CZV1-1 have been tested in a challenging panel of well characterized samples from dengue and Zika endemic areas. The molecule has been extensively tested in vitro, demonstrating its potential as a valuable research tool for Zika virus studies and diagnostic assay development. The assay is ready for product development according to FDA requirements.
IP Status
Patent pending
