Inactivation of Zika Virus by Photoactive Iodonaphthyl Azide Preserves Immunogenic Potential of the Virus

Sources, enumerations and inactivation mechanisms of four emerging viruses in aqueous phase

Emergence and re-emergence of four types of severely infectious viruses have claimed significant numbers of lives when anthropogenic activities contribute to the mutagenesis of these pathogens and infectivity of these pathogens has been noticeably altered. However, both point and non-point sources can transport these viruses in water treatment and resource recovery facilities (RRF) where the presence of these pathogens in aerosolized form or in suspension can cause astronomical public health concerns. Hence, numerous scientific studies have been reviewed to comprehend the possible inactivation mechanisms of those viruses in aqueous phase where thermal-, photo-, and chemical-inactivation have confirmed their effectiveness in restraining those viruses and inactivation mechanisms are the major focuses to apprehend the quick and cost-effective virus removal process from water and RRF. Although practical applications of nano-sized disinfectants have challenged researchers, those disinfectants can completely kill the viruses and hamper RNA/DNA replication without any sign of reactivation or repair. Moreover, limitations and future research potential are discussed so that efficacious strategic management for a treatment facility can be developed at the forefront of fighting tactics against an epidemic or a pandemic. Enumerations, besides state-of-the-art detection techniques with gene sequences, are mentioned for these viruses.

Current Progress in the Development of Zika Virus Vaccines

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus first discovered in the Americas. ZIKV infection is insidious based on its mild clinical symptoms observed after infection. In Brazil, after 2015, ZIKV infection broke out on a large scale, and many infected pregnant women gave birth to babies with microcephaly. The teratogenic effects of the virus on the fetus and its effects on nerves and the immune system have attracted great attention. Currently, no specific prophylactics or therapeutics are clinically available to treat ZIKV infection. Development of a safe and effective vaccine is essential to prevent the rise of any potential pandemic. In this review, we summarize the latest research on Zika vaccine development based on different strategies, including DNA vaccines, subunit vaccines, live-attenuated vaccines, virus-vector-based vaccines, inactivated vaccines, virus-like particles (VLPs), mRNA-based vaccines, and others. We anticipate that this review will facilitate further progress toward the development of effective and safe vaccines against ZIKV infection.

Magnetic bead purification of enveloped alphavirus and flavivirus

Virus production is an essential part of virology. The quality of virus preparation, in terms of purification and yield, can affect the outcome of experiments. Purified virus is critical for assays, as contamination from cell culture supernatants may affect results. Purified virus is also needed for vaccine preparations. The traditional process of gradient purification of virus is time consuming, with multiple steps spanning over days, and produces significant amounts of biohazard waste. Developing a more efficient alternative that provides a purified virus product is highly desirable. In this study, we performed magnetic bead purification of Zika virus (ZIKV) and Mayaro virus (MAYV) with the Mag4C LV kit from OZ Biosciences. Currently, this kit is only indicated for use with lentiviruses and retroviruses. We found that we were able to successfully concentrate and purify both ZIKV and MAYV using the kit. Therefore, we concluded that the Mag4C LV kit provides a quick and simple alternative to traditional virus purification methods.•

Our protocol is customized by using an alphavirus (MAYV) and flavivirus (ZIKV). This method has not been previously used for these viruses.