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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Developing animal models of Zika virus infection for novel drug discovery

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Author(s):
Yde Ohki, Cristine Marie [1] ; Benazzato, Cecilia [1, 2] ; Russo, Fabiele Baldino [1] ; Baleeiro Beltrao-Braga, Patricia Cristina [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Microbiol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Vet Med, Dept Surg, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Review article
Source: EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DISCOVERY; v. 14, n. 6 APR 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 1
Abstract

Introduction: Just before the Brazilian outbreak, Zika virus was related to a mild infection, causing fever and skin rash. Congenital Zika Syndrome was first described in Brazil, causing microcephaly and malformations in newborns. Three years after the outbreak, the mechanisms of Zika pathogenesis are still not completely elucidated. Moreover, as of today, there is still no approved vaccine that can be administered to the susceptible population. Considering the unmet clinical need, animal models represent an unprecedented opportunity to study Zika pathophysiology and test drugs for the treatment and prevention of vertical transmission. Areas covered: The authors explore the current knowledge about Zika through animal models and advancements in drug discovery by highlighting drugs with the greatest potential to treat ZIKV infection and block vertical transmission. Expert opinion: Some drugs used to treat other infections have been repurposed to treat Zika infection, reducing the cost and time for clinical application. One promising example is Sofosbuvir, which protected mice models against Zika pathogenesis by preventing vertical transmission. Importantly, there is a lack on exploration on the long-term effects of Zika Congenital Syndrome, as well as the possible ways to treat its sequelae. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 18/16748-8 - INVESTIGATION OF ZIKA VIRUS ACTION IN CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM CELLS: MODELING INFECTION IN HUMAN ASTROCYTES DERIVED FROM INDUCED PLURIPOTENT CELLS
Grantee:Patricia Cristina Baleeiro Beltrão Braga
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 16/02978-6 - Cell modeling Autism Spectrum Disorder patients using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)
Grantee:Fabiele Baldino Russo
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral