Innovative Small Molecule for Zika Virus Neutralization
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