Zika virus pre-membrane and envelope proteins (prM-E) (prM-E)

The Zika virus pre-membrane (prM) and envelope (E) proteins are the primary structural components on the surface of the Zika virus (ZIKV) virion and serve as the major targets for the host's neutralizing immune response (Source: Nature Reviews Microbiology, PubMed: 28286338). The E protein is a class II fusion protein responsible for receptor binding and mediating the fusion of the viral and host cell membranes, while the prM protein acts as a chaperone to prevent premature fusion during viral maturation within the host's secretory pathway (Source: UniProt: P0C7M7). In the context of drug and vaccine development, the prM-E sequence is frequently utilized in DNA, mRNA, and viral vector platforms to generate virus-like particles (VLPs) that elicit protective immunity (Source: NIH/NIAID). Targeting these antigens is critical for preventing ZIKV infection, which is associated with severe neurological complications such as microcephaly in newborns and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults (Source: WHO). Therapeutic strategies include the development of monoclonal antibodies that neutralize the virus and vaccines designed to provide long-term prophylaxis (Source: Lancet Infectious Diseases, PubMed: 29242039).

Other names

Zika virus prM and E proteinsZIKV structural proteinsprM-E polyproteinZika virus envelope and precursor membrane proteins

Induction of neutralizing antibodies that block viral attachment and membrane fusion; monoclonal antibodies bind to specific epitopes on the E protein to prevent infection.