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The Zika virus is a Flavivirus that is spread to humans through mosquito bites. It is presently a major human health concern. When pregnant women are infected the virus can be transferred to the baby and result in microcephaly and other sever brain problems. Infections can also result in Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults and children, a neurological syndrome that can cause temporary paralysis. There are presently no vaccines or medications capable of preventing or treating Zika virus infections.
Various libraries of known compounds have been screened for their ability to inhibit Zika virus infections. A collection of compounds has been identified which have activity against Zikda virus replication and growth. These compounds have been assessed and ranked according to efficacy in test assays and suitability as therapeutic compounds.
Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has re-emerged and spread across the Western Hemisphere in the past year. A large outbreak started in Brazil in late 2014 and is a growing public health concern. Currently, active transmission has been reported in 58 countries and territories globally. About 20% of ZIKV infected individuals develop symptoms, which mostly resemble symptoms caused by other arboviruses, such as dengue viruses or chikungunya virus. Unlike these viruses, however, ZIKV causes congenital defects, including microcephaly, and is also associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome in infected adults.
The present invention concerns the novel use of emetine compounds for the treatment or prevention of Flavivirus infections, such as Zika virus infections. Emetine compounds have been FDA approved for use against amoebiasis and has been shown to have some anti-viral activity against other viruses.
Due to the nascent nature of Zika Virus research reagents specific for the Zika Virus such as monoclonal antibodies are not widely available. FSU researchers have produced monoclonal antibodies to the Zika virus. These monoclonal antibodies are targeted to the envelope proteins NS1 and NS5. They enable detection of Zika infection, development of diagnostics, and can also be used as control reagents in research.
Zika virus, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has recently re-emerged and spread across the Western Hemisphere after it had remained in relative obscurity for many years. Zika virial infection causes many of the same symptoms caused by dengue viruses or chikungunya virus. Unlike these viruses Zika virus causes congenital defects, including microcephaly, and is also associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome in infected adults.
Through a combination of computational modeling and screening, a portfolio of 19 compounds has been identified which have antiviral activity against Zika virus. In some cases, these drugs have activity against Zika virus and dengue viral infections. These compounds may be used in new therapies for the treatment of infection with flaviviruses, such as Zika virus and dengue virus.
