Zika Virus Induced Neurotropic Brain Injury: Lessons for the Study of Disease Etiology and Vaccine Development Against Pathogens

Studies have found convincing evidence of association of ZIKV with Guillan-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a small preliminary report suggests association with microcephaly in one location. We have previously found a plausible cause (molecular mimicry to Polio Virus Receptors A, B and C). We also found plausible evidence of pathways from ZIKV infection to microcephaly though P53-BAX-mitochondrial mediated apoptosis via the ZIKV capsid protein and the Helicase domain within the NS3 protein. A study of ZIKV infection in neural precursor cells found that infection hampered growth rates (Tang et al., 2016). To date, no specific mechanism of gestational microcephaly has been demonstrated. Here, we expand the l ist of plausible mechanisms of microcephaly in ZIKV. In fact, ZIKV appears to be a potential “perfect storm” candidate for microcephaly. We conclude with open questions and future directions.