Health scare: Zika mimics brain proteins

HYDERABAD: In a cause for severe health concern, Zika virus has become smart enough to mimic and share its proteins with those of the nervous system in human beings. This could lead to autoimmune diseases and damage to nerves. In autoimmunity, the body mistakenly attacks its own cells instead of fighting invading bacteria, viruses and other germs.
At least five of the proteins of Zika virus are like those present in nerves, city researchers have found. The virus was also found to be interacting with proteins in human tissue. The research study revealed similarities in Zika virus proteins and human nerve tissue proteins.

As part of the research as many as 63 human nerve proteins were screened for similarities with Zika virus. The researchers found that five of them - Neuromodulin, Nestin, Galanin, Bombesin, Calcium-binding protein - were like the polyprotein C of the virus. Polyprotein C regulates pathogenic or disease-causing interactions between the virus and human beings in case of Zika virus.
The research was conducted by a team drawn from the city-based CODEWEL Nireekshana ACET, York University, Canada, LSU Health Sciences Centre, Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases and Sciences Shreveport, USA, and Presidency College, Chennai-05. The result of the study was published in the recent issue of the science journal, Bioinformation. The study gains significance as Zika virus is an emerging disease in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Earlier studies have shown that the Asian strain of the virus has mutated.
Zika virus is notorious for causing birth defects. Several cases of Zika virus were reported from Telugu states. Incidentally, Aedes aegypti, the mosquito that carries the Zika virus, also transmits dengue and chikungunya infections in human beings. Zika virus shows interest in attacking neural stem cells. This reduces the protection of new neurons.
“Structural similarities between the Zika virus and host nerve peptides could directly or indirectly impact the pathogenesis of the disease…,” the researchers said.