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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.)

An update on preclinical pregnancy models of Zika virus infection for drug and vaccine discovery

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Author(s):
Benazzato, Cecilia [1] ; Russo, Fabiele Baldino [1, 2] ; Beltrao-Braga, Patricia Cristina Baleeiro [1, 2]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Microbiol, Dis Modeling Lab, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Sci Plataform Pasteur USP, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Review article
Source: EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DISCOVERY; v. 17, n. 1 SEP 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Introduction Congenital Zika syndrome is caused by Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy and can culminate in structural and neurological defects in the fetus, including a spectrum of symptoms such as brain calcifications, hydrocephalus, holoprosencephaly, lissencephaly, ventriculomegaly, and microcephaly. Using animal models to study ZIKV infection during pregnancy represents a critical tool for understanding ZIKV pathophysiology, drug testing, vaccine development, and prevention of vertical transmission. Areas covered In this review, the authors cover state-of-the-art preclinical pregnancy models of ZIKV infection for drug discovery and vaccine development to prevent vertical transmission. Expert opinion The discovery of drugs against ZIKV infection represents an urgent necessity, and until now, no effective drug that can prevent the effects of vertical transmission has been tested in humans. Even after six years of the ZIKV outbreak in Brazil, no drugs or vaccines have been approved for use in humans. In part, this failure could be related to the lack of translatability from available preclinical models to humans. (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 type: 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 type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate