Funding outcome

Zika virus belongs to a large family of viruses called Flaviviruses, which also includes Dengue and West Nile viruses. Acute Zika virus infection causes a febrile illness in adults but when contracted during early pregnancy, this virus is known to cause microcephaly, a condition in which the fetal brain is improperly developed resulting in a smaller than normal head. The ongoing Zika pandemic has put millions of people at risk, in particular expecting mothers and developing fetuses. Currently, no effective treatment or vaccines are available for this pathogen. To increase our knowledge of Zika virus and provide paths to development of effective antivirals, my PhD project focuses on understanding how Zika virus counteracts host cell antiviral defenses, specifically the peroxisome-mediated antiviral system. Peroxisomes are host cell organelles required for lipid metabolism and energy generation. Importantly, functions of these organelles are crucial in regulating inflammation and metabolic homeostasis in neuronal cells. Recently, our lab and others show that peroxisomes also influence the activation of early antiviral response. Based on our preliminary data, there is a strong correlation between Zika virus infection and defects in peroxisome biogenesis. My research goal is to understand how Zika virus interferes with peroxisome-mediated antiviral pathways and how this relates to disease outcomes. Given that peroxisomes are important for regulating immune response and maintaining metabolic balance of the cell, we suspect that disturbance of this organelle is one mechanism by which Zika virus counteracts the host antiviral system, establishes replication, crosses placenta, and eventually inflicts damage in the fetal brain. Zika virus has emerged as a huge global health concern and it is particularly worrisome for expecting mothers and developing fetuses. As such, discovery and translational research is needed to better understand this pathogen. My PhD research will advance our knowledge of Zika virus biology and as a result, it will facilitate the development of antiviral therapeutics and improvement of the well-beings of pregnant women and infants.