Production and Characterization of Two Specific ZIKV Antigens Based on Bioinformatic Analysis and Serological Screening

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background The high structural similarity between the Zika virus (ZIKV) and other flaviviruses, such as Dengue Virus (DENV), complicates the identification of the infecting virus due to the occurrence of cross-reactions in serological assays. This phenomenon has increased the demand for more specific antigens for immunodiagnostic applications. Methods The present work aimed to identify specific regions of ZIKV and produce unique antigens through computational methods, molecular and microbiological techniques. Results Based on the computational analysis we successfully expressed two recombinant proteins derived from specific regions of the ZIKV. Through serological assays using characterized sera, we observed that the region 146–182 of ZIKV’s E protein, expressed in tandem, was not reactive despite the predictive sensitivity and specificity observed by computer analyses. On the other hand, the non-denatured fraction 220–352 of ZIKV’s NS1 showed greater specificity to IgG+ sera of ZIKV by dot blot and western blot, which highlights its properties as a possible tool in the diagnosis of ZIKV. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that ZIKV NS1 fraction 220–352 is a potential tool that may be applied in the development of serological diagnosis. We also provided data that suggest the non-applicability of the region 146–182 of ZIKV’s protein E in serological assays despite previous indications about its potential based on computational analysis.