Chinese scientists say they have worked out the structure of the Zika virus NS1 protein.

 

中国科学家表示，他们已经计算出寨卡病毒NS1蛋白质的结构。
 

 

The discovery could help researchers develop a vaccine¹ for the virus which is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

 

Associate research fellow from the Institute of Microbiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shi Yi, says the protein, which also exists in other viruses of the flavivirus genus, has two functions.

 

"First, it can help eliminate the virus from human body. Second, it can be used as a target for vaccines² to locate the virus, because some antibodies will be generated by its stimulation³ resulting in some autoimmune diseases."

 

According to Shi Yi, they have not only worked out the protein's molecular⁴ structure, but also how it interacts with the host during the infection process.

 

Shi Yi added that this kind of research can help global prevention of the Zika virus, but said more research was needed.

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