Computational Approaches and Current Advances in Zika Virus (ZIKV) Drug and Vaccine Design
Salma Abdallah
Co-Presenters: Jonelle Brown
College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Major: Biology
Faculty Research Mentor: Supratik Kar
Abstract:
Zika virus (ZIKV), an arthropod-borne virus of the Flavivirus genus, poses a significant global health threat due to the potential long-term effects of ZIKV infection and the expanding range of its mosquito vectors via climate change. Clinical and research concerns include congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in newborns and, in rare cases, autoimmune attacks on the nervous system (Guillain-Barre syndrome) in adults. This literature review explores the role of computational tools and technologies in ZIKV drug discovery, with a focus on the use of computer-aided drug design (CADD) in de novo drug design and drug repurposing studies. By analyzing emerging clinical trials and vaccine developments, this study highlights the contributions of CADD in accelerating antiviral research. Literature was sourced from peer-reviewed databases and governmental reports (U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), World Health Organization (WHO)), with an extended date range of 2015 to 2025 to capture key developments from the 2015 ZIKV epidemic in the Americas. Findings suggest the integral role of CADD in identifying potential antiviral candidates, streamlining the drug discovery process, and enhancing ZIKV treatment strategies. These insights underscore the importance of computational methodologies in developing targeted therapeutics to prevent and combat viral outbreaks. Furthermore, developing robust ZIKV drug therapies will benefit underserved populations and those living in endemic areas.Keywords: CADD, LBDD, SBDD, Zika virus, ZIKV, Antivirals