The Zika virus NS1 protein as a vaccine target

Arthropod-borne viruses, once considered a minor problem, are fast becoming a significant source of morbidity and death. The threat of disease is not only due to more commonly known viruses such as dengue virus (DENV) but also from reemerging pathogens previously thought unimportant and inconsequential in the human population. Zika virus (ZIKV) is one such example. There are no approved treatments or vaccines for ZIKV. Successful vaccines have been developed for other members of the Flavivirus genus including YFV, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). While antibodies that target the flavivirus premembrane and envelope proteins can be highly neutralizing, they are also implicated in enhancing the internalization of viral particles into cell that support viral replication. Here, we discuss the antiviral activity of antibodies that recognize the NS1 protein of ZIKV and its contribution to immunity. Inclusion of a second viral antigen in candidate ZIKV vaccine design can complement immune responses to other ZIKV glycoproteins.