Researchers identify how the Zika virus causes malformations in the nervous system of the fetus
A team of scientists from the Institute of Molecular Biology of Barcelona (IBMB) of the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) has discovered the mechanism by which the Zika virus causes malformations in the development of the nervous system of the fetus, including microcephaly. The results of this study, published in the journal ‘Cell Stem Cell’, reveal that the NS5 polymerase protein of the virus is responsible for these malformations. This finding opens the door to the development of specific antiviral agents to combat Zika.
The role of researchers and collaborators
Researchers Murielle Saade and Elisa Martí, from the IBMB Department of Developmental Biology, led the functional trials that allowed the virus’s mechanism of action to be identified. On the other hand, Diego S. Ferrero and Nuria Verdaguer, from the Structural Biology department of the same institute, led the structural work. In addition, the research had the collaboration of the Vall d’Hebron Hospital of Barcelona (VHIR) and the Children’s Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (USA).
The impact of the Zika virus on health
The Zika virus is transmitted primarily through mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, which bite during the day. Although most infected people have no or mild symptoms, pregnant women can transmit the virus to their fetus through the placenta. This can result in microcephaly and other congenital malformations. It is estimated that in the coming decades, approximately 50% of the world’s population will be exposed to infections transmitted by this mosquito, which represents a significant threat.
The importance of research and prevention
Researchers emphasize the importance of basic and multidisciplinary research to avoid situations similar to the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. They emphasize that advances in research are achieved through continuous work over time and that it should never be interrupted if we want to effectively combat new pathogens. In addition, they highlight the need to develop prevention and control strategies to reduce the spread of the Zika virus and protect people’s health.