It is widely known that Zika virus has mechanisms which lead to microcephaly in babies of infected mothers. Zika can cause congenital Zika syndrome, which are a set of abnormalities in the fetus which consist of microcephaly, defective neuronal migration, and limits to cortical development. These mechanisms have been poorly understood by researchers- yet now new research provides insight into how the microcephaly might arise mechanistically. New insights state that ZIKV activates caspase-1 and gasdermin D mediated pyroptotic cell death, which directly links Zika virus to microcephaly. This neural progenitor cell death is similarly illustrated by caspase-1 deletion or inhibition that which reduces inflammatory responses and death- and consequently attenuates neuropathy. This provides potentially unique and avenues for therapeutics to halt the brain atrophy that results from Zika virus.
With cases still being reported in North and South America during the Coronavirus pandemic, these findings are particularly important even as Zika is not in the limelight as it was several years ago. The last huge Zika virus outbreak was attenuated; however, it remains important to find ways to stop Zika in the event that a full-blown epidemic arises in the coming years. Additionally, the persistence of cases, albeit on a smaller scale, reveal the continued need for treatments or vaccines to reduce transmission.
-Sammy
https://promedmail.org Nov 11 Zika Virus
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