Structural Basis for Germline Antibody Binding to Zika Virus Envelope Domain III

Abstract

Infection with Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes, is usually asymptomatic or mild. However, newborns of infected mothers can display severe neurodevelopmental abnormalities and microcephaly. Given the recent epidemics, severity of symptoms, and lack of available treatment or prophylaxis, a safe and effective ZIKV vaccine is urgently needed. Vaccine design is complicated by concern that elicited antibodies may cross-react with other flaviviruses, such as dengue, West Nile, and yellow fever virus, which share a similar envelope protein.