The New High Resolution Crystal Structure of NS2B-NS3 Protease of Zika Virus

Abstract

Zika virus (ZIKV) is the cause of a significant viral disease affecting humans, which has spread throughout many South American countries and has also become a threat to Southeastern Asia. This commentary discusses the article “Crystal structure of unlinked NS2B-NS3 protease from Zika virus” published recently in the journal Science by Zhang et al. of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. They resolved a 1.58 Å resolution structure of the NS2B-NS3 protease of ZIKV and demonstrated how peptide and non-peptide inhibitors interact with this structure, along with the different conformational states that were observed. This protease crystal structure offers new opportunities for the design and development of novel antiviral drugs used for the treatment and control of ZIKV.

Nanosensor networks for health-care applications

“…The toxicity of heavy metal ions, including mercury(II) Hg 21 The thioglycolic acid-functionalization increased the sensitivity for detection of mercury by 2.5 3 over the bare Au-gated surface. The limit of mercury(II) ion detection was 10 27 M and s selectivity of more than 100 for detecting Hg over Na or Mg ions.…”

“…, lead(II) Pb21 , copper(II) Cu 2 , and zinc(II) Zn 2 , is a chronic environmental problem [31À35]. Mercury is released into the environment through the combustion of fossil fuels, mining, volcanic emissions, and solid waste incineration.…”

Zika Virus, Microcephaly and its Possible Global Spread

“…The isolation, purification and crystallization of different Zika virus proteins are also in progress and they will be helpful in designing vaccines and chemotherapeutic agents (Figure 1) [74]. The nonstructural protein (NS1) crystal structure showed unique electrostatic properties at the host interaction site and it is possible in different modes of action as compared to other NS1 proteins of flaviviruses [75].…”

Zika virus detection using antibody-immobilized disposable cover glass and AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors

“…These advances allow for detailed analysis of protein folding, mapping, and initial investigations into the individual protein function. [8][9][10][11] Currently, no treatment is available for affected individuals with Zika other than bed rest, hydration, and nutrition.…”

“…Current studies showed that ZIKV can be detected by using [8][9][10][11][12] RNA in human urine, serum, and saliva specimens using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. However, the detection results were only robustly positive for urine testing using this highly sensitive RT-PCR method.…”