UV-Inactivated Zika Virus Retains Cellular Entry Capability: Enabling a Multitude of Downstream Applications

Background/Introduction: Zika virus (ZIKV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, causes significant public health concerns. However, Zika virus (ZIKV) symptoms are usually similar to the flu, but it can sometimes cause serious brain-related health problems like meningitis and Guillain-Barre syndrome. It's especially dangerous for pregnant women because it can lead to severe brain defects in fetus, such as microcephaly. There is no vaccine and special treatment against ZIKV. The development of safe methods for virus inactivation is crucial for both research and therapeutic purposes. This study investigates the efficacy of UV-C irradiation in inactivating ZIKV while preserving its immunogenic properties. Methods & Materials: We utilized a specially designed enclosed system allowing selective exposure of ZIKV to UV-C light at 254 nm. The minimum irradiation time required to prevent viral replication was determined using a TCID50 assay. Further characterization of the inactivated virus was performed through immunofluorescence, labeling the viral NS1 protein and dsRNA, and qRT-PCR to assess genomic integrity. Results: UV-C irradiation for 45 seconds effectively inactivated ZIKV with no detectable cytopathic effect. The absence of cytopathic effects post-irradiation confirms the viral replication halt. qRT-PCR confirmed no significant changes in cycle quantification values, indicating preservation of the viral genome's integrity. Confocal microscopy demonstrated that the inactivated virus could enter cells but did not replicate. Discussion: The UV-C inactivation method preserves ZIKV's protein structure and biological activity, making it safe for use in vaccine development, diagnostic assays, and antiviral research. This technique offers a non-toxic alternative to chemical inactivants, crucial for handling pathogenic viruses in a research setting. Conclusion: With the establishment of UV-C irradiation as a safe and effective method for ZIKV inactivation, we pave the way for new investigations into virus-host interactions and vaccine development without the associated risk of infection. Future research will focus on expanding the applications of UV-inactivated ZIKV in therapeutic and diagnostic contexts and further refining inactivation protocols to enhance disease management strategies.