Zika virus vaccine

Zika virus vaccine is a vaccine that is currently under development to prevent Zika virus infection. Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys. It was later identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Transmission of Zika virus can occur through a mosquito bite, from a pregnant woman to her fetus, through sexual contact, and through blood transfusion.

Development

The development of a Zika virus vaccine began after the 2015–16 Zika virus epidemic, which caused a significant increase in cases of microcephaly and Guillain–Barré syndrome in areas where Zika virus is endemic. Several different types of vaccines are being developed, including DNA vaccines, RNA vaccines, and inactivated vaccines. As of 2021, no vaccine has been approved for general use, but several are in clinical trials.

DNA Vaccines

DNA vaccines work by inserting DNA coding for a particular antigen into the body, which then produces the antigen and stimulates an immune response. Several DNA vaccines for Zika virus are in development, including VRC5283 and VRC5288, which are being developed by the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institutes of Health.

RNA Vaccines

RNA vaccines work in a similar way to DNA vaccines, but use RNA instead of DNA. An RNA vaccine for Zika virus, called mRNA-1325, is being developed by Moderna.

Inactivated Vaccines

Inactivated vaccines work by using a killed or inactivated version of the virus to stimulate an immune response. An inactivated vaccine for Zika virus, called ZPIV, is being developed by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

Clinical Trials

Several Zika virus vaccines are currently in clinical trials. These trials are necessary to ensure that the vaccines are safe and effective before they can be approved for general use.

See Also

• Zika virus
• Vaccine
• 2015–16 Zika virus epidemic
• Microcephaly
• Guillain–Barré syndrome

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