Analysis of humoral immune response induced by Zika Virus infection using recombinant proteins of viral envelope

• Grant number: 17/04892-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: July 01, 2017
• End date: June 30, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Applied Immunology
• Agreement: Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES)
• Principal Investigator: Daniela Santoro Rosa
• Grantee: Victória Alves Santos Lunardelli
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus as well as Dengue virus (DENV). A comparison between proteins encoded by the ZIKV and DENV genomes shows that there is about 55% identity between the ZIKV and the circulating DENV serotypes in Brazil. That high similarity makes it difficult to distinguish an infection caused by both viruses. In addition, cross-recognition of different virus proteins by the immune system may occur, leading to implications for both protection and worsening of the disease. It has already been reported high cross-reactivity between monoclonal antibodies obtained from patients infected by ZIKV against DENV and ZIKV envelope proteins, detaching the importance of characterizing the humoral component of the ZIKV response and evaluating whether the antibodies induced during the infection may have a cross-reactivity capability against DENV and inversaly. The knowledge generated in this context may bring relevant information about E protein regions that induce broadly neutralizing antibodies or play an important role in the pathogenesis of disease. Given the above, the project aims to develop different recombinant viral envelope proteins to elucidate in detail the humoral immune response induced in patients infected by ZIKV and DENV. Thus, we hope to contribute to the development of new tools for diagnosis and vaccination specific to ZIKV. (AU)