Zika Vaccine Development — New Hope and New Worries

Two studies highlight both the potential for a Zika vaccine and the specter of vaccine complications due to antibody-dependent enhanced infection.

The rapid spread of Zika virus (ZIKV), coupled with its association with microcephaly in newborns and with Guillain-Barré syndrome, has led to major efforts to develop a vaccine for this flavivirus. One new study now shows that antibodies to the related flaviviruses, the dengue group, can effectively neutralize ZIKV; but a second study shows that anti-dengue antibodies can enhance ZIKV growth.

Phylogenetic analyses show that ZIKV is closely related to the dengue virus group. Barba-Spaeth and colleagues assessed the activities of a panel of well-defined antibodies isolated from patients with dengue that target the E protein of all four dengue viruses (DENVs). The researchers found that two of these antibodies, EDE1 and EDE2, strongly neutrali…

Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Richard T. Ellison III, MD

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Zika Vaccine Development — New Hope and New Worries

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Reviewing Author