Immature Zika Virus

3D Model

Zika viruses are transmitted by day-biting mosquitos. Most infections either cause no symptoms or a short-lived fever. However, infection during pregnancy can affect the baby, causing brain malformation and birth with a small head (microcephaly). Zika virus is spreading across the world, having reached the Americas in 2015.

The envelope proteins on the outside of the viral membrane bind to new cells, but they are initially made in a longer form to prevent premature binding. As particles mature, these proteins are activated by cleavage, changing the shape of the virus particle. The immature form of the Zika virus particle is shown here, based on data acquired by Prasad et al. (2017; doi: 10.1038/nsmb.3352).

This model was made by Rachael Suétt, working with researchers at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research and The Glasgow School of Art.

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