Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV), which can lead to fatal hemorrhagic fever, affects 390 million people worldwide. The closely related Zika virus (ZIKV) causes microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Both viruses are mostly transmitted by Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which, due to globalization of trade and travel alongside climate change, are spreading worldwide, paving the way to DENV and ZIKV transmission and the occurrence of new epidemics. Local outbreaks have already occurred in temperate climates, even in Europe. As there are no specific treatments, these viruses are an international public health concern. Here, we analyze and discuss DENV and ZIKV outbreaks history, clinical and pathogenesis features, and modes of transmission, supplementing with information on advances on potential therapies and restraining measures. Taking advantage of the knowledge of the structure and biological function of the capsid (C) protein, a relatively conserved protein among flaviviruses, within a genus that includes DENV and ZIKV, we designed and patented a new drug lead, pep14-23 (WO2008/028939A1). It was demonstrated that it inhibits the interaction of DENV C protein with the host lipid system, a process essential for viral replication. Such an approach can be used to develop new therapies for related viruses, such as ZIKV.
Highlights
Vector-borne diseases cause more than 700,000 deaths per year
In 2015, Zika virus infection cases emerged in Brazil, but it is thought that the virus was introduced before [61]
Since the first large outbreak in Yap islands, in 2007, Zika virus has been dramatically expanding throughout the world, with a clear potential to be established in Europe, where mosquito vector populations are present [66]
Summary
Vector-borne diseases cause more than 700,000 deaths per year. They contribute to more than 17% of all infectious diseases, especially affecting the poorest populations [1]. Aedes spp. mosquitoes, specially Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti, the main vectors of dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission, are expanding worldwide [2,6,7,8,9,10,11]. These vectors are no longer confined to tropical and subtropical regions, making them and the diseases they carry commonly recognized [10,11]. DENV and ZIKV infections are of concern for national health services on most continents, as epidemic outbreaks can cause major health impacts and have enormous costs [2,3,4,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
