Study of volunteer blood donors in Martinique provides new information about Zika virus infection

by ISARIC

This pioneering study provides a precise follow-up of incident cases and seroprevalence in blood donors, and it also provides important insights into the management of blood donations during ZIKV outbreaks and into the natural history of ZIKV infection in adults. It suggests that the study of blood donors during outbreaks of emerging pathogens has become a key element of epidemiological surveillance.

23rd January 2017 • comment

Axl Mediates ZIKA Virus Entry in Human Glial Cells and Modulates Innate Immune Responses

by Meertens at al.

This study highlights the dual role of Axl during ZIKV infection of glial cells: promoting viral entry and modulating innate immune responses. Therefore, inhibiting Axl function may represent a potential target for future antiviral therapies.

11th January 2017 • comment