European scientists managed to come to the conclusion that one of the types of antibodies of patients with dengue fever is able to neutralize not only its own virus, but also its related Zika. Thus, specialists have a chance to find a cure for viruses.
The study involved scientists from the UK, France and Austria. Through a series of experiments, they managed to find antibodies that are effective against the Zika virus. They were isolated from the blood of those infected with dengue fever. It is reported that the obtained substances are able not only to fight the emerging fever, but also the very focus of the epidemic. Earlier, the authorities of Asian countries assured residents that the virus is not dangerous to humans. However, after some time it became clear that it causes a negative effect in the human embryo. It also turned out that the virus is able to paralyze the muscles of the infected, causing a series of symptoms.
There is currently no vaccine for Zika virus. The antibody found by European scientists is capable of suppressing infected human cells, including the Zika virus. After verification by the Clinical Safety Department, such antibodies can be injected into the body of a sick person or other people for prevention. The introduced substance is a protein of the immune system, therefore, it cannot negatively affect a person. Dengue and Zika viruses are flaviviruses. In turn, this means that they are transmitted through insects, in particular mosquitoes. As shown by X-ray crystallography, the proteins of both viruses are recognized by the same region of the antibody molecule.
Ruban Oleg