Endogenous ZAP is associated with altered Zika virus infection phenotype.

The zinc finger antiviral protein 1 (ZAP) has broad antiviral activity. ZAP is an interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene, which itself may enhance type I IFN antiviral response. In a previous study, Zika virus was identified as ZAP-resistant and not sensitive to ZAP antiviral activity.

Endogenous ZAP affects Zika virus RNA interactome.

One of the most recent advances in the analysis of viral RNA-cellular protein interactions is the Comprehensive Identification of RNA-binding Proteins by Mass Spectrometry (ChIRP-MS). Here, we used ChIRP-MS in mock-infected and Zika-infected wild-type cells and cells knockout for the zinc finger CCCH-type antiviral protein 1 (ZAP). We characterized 'ZAP-independent' and 'ZAP-dependent' cellular protein interactomes associated with flavivirus RNA and found that ZAP affects cellular proteins associated with Zika virus RNA.

Asian Zika virus can acquire generic African-lineage mutations during infection.

The Zika virus 2015 epidemic showed an unusual phenotype for human flaviviruses, specifically fetal infection. We previously showed that inoculation with the Asian Zika virus isolated from the human sample causes persistent infection in porcine fetuses. Here, we characterized the evolution of the Asian Zika virus in the fetal brain and placenta.

Japanese encephalitis virus persists in the human reproductive epithelium and porcine reproductive tissues.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the emerging and geographically expanding flavivirus and the major causative agent of encephalitis in humans in Asia. There are risks of JEV introduction into the Americas given a large population of amplifying hosts-pigs and wild boars, and insect vectors-Culex mosquitoes. There are emerging concerns about vector-free ways of flavivirus transmission, for example sexual and transplacental Zika virus transmissions, which may change flavivirus epidemiology and expand the geographical range to territories with no insect vectors.

Serum amyloid A (SAA) mRNA expression in chicken and quails in response to bacterial stress.

Monitoring of acute phase proteins such as serum amyloid A at gene expression level may provide quick information about immune status of the host and its susceptibility towards common infections. Present study was carried out to evaluate and compare the mRNA expression of SAA gene in Rhode Island Red chicken (RIR) and Japanese quails using real time PCR analysis in response to inactivated Salmonella gallinarum culture. The results showed that expression of SAA gene was approximately 17-33 folds higher in case of birds administered with bacterial culture when compared to un-inoculated controls and expression was higher and quicker in case of quails than RIR chicken.