Abstract
A series of anionic homopolymers, poly(sodium 2-(acrylamido)-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonate) (PAMPS) and amphiphilic copolymers of AMPS and sodium 11-(acrylamido)undecanoate (AaU), both block (PAMPS75-b-PAaUn), and random (P(AMPSm-co-AaUn)), were synthesized and their antiviral activity against Zika virus (ZIKV) was evaluated. Interestingly, while the homopolymers showed limited antiviral activity, the copolymers are very efficient antivirals. This observation was explained considering that under the conditions relevant to the biological experiments (pH 7.4 PBS buffer) the macromolecules of these copolymers exist as negatively charged (zeta potential about −25 mV) nanoparticles (4–12 nm) due to their self-organization. They inhibit the ZIKV replication cycle by binding to the cell surface and thereby blocking virus attachment to host cells. Considering good solubility in aqueous media, low toxicity, and high selectivity index (SI) of the PAMPS-b-PAaU copolymers, they can be considered promising agents against ZIKV infections.
Highlights
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a positively stranded RNA virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family
The family encompasses a number of viruses, including dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), and yellow fever virus (YFV) [1]
Zika virus was first isolated in the forests of Uganda from a sample collected from rhesus monkey in 1947 [2]
Summary
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a positively stranded RNA virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family. Zika virus was first isolated in the forests of Uganda from a sample collected from rhesus monkey in 1947 [2]. The first case of Zika virus-associated disease in humans was recorded in 1954 during an outbreak in Nigeria [4], and until 2007, ZIKV was associated with sporadic infections in humans. In 2007, the first outbreak of ZIKV was reported on Yap islands and the Federal States of Micronesia. Up to 73% of the population of the islands above the age of three were infected with ZIKV, and ~20% of these exhibited clinical symptoms [5]. The ZIKV outbreak in humans was identified on French Polynesia in 2013–2014, with an estimated
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
