MicroRNA-124-targeted recombinant Zika virus: a dual-functional and safe candidate for vaccination and oncolytic virotherapy - PubMed
2 days ago
- #microRNA regulation
- #oncolytic virotherapy
- #Zika virus
- The study engineers a recombinant Zika virus, ZIKV-miR124T, with a miR-124 target sequence to enhance safety and dual functionality.
- ZIKV-miR124T is significantly attenuated in adult, neonatal, and pregnant mouse models, showing reduced viral load in non-tumoral brain regions.
- The virus retains potent oncolytic activity against glioma in orthotopic models, with viral replication confined to tumor areas.
- A single immunization with ZIKV-miR124T provides effective protection against lethal Zika virus challenge and reduces vertical transmission in pregnant mice.
- The strategy demonstrates precise control of viral tropism using microRNA regulation, offering a generalizable approach for safer viral therapies and vaccines.