Brazil scientists discover Zika virus inhibitor

Scientists from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ) in Pernambuco discovered a substance that can block Zika virus. However, years of study are still necessary before the 6-methylmercaptopurine riboside (6MMPr) can be turned into a medicine and be produced in large scale.

The tests were conducted on epithelial and neural cells of both monkeys and humans. Image credit: Sumaia Villela/Agência Brasil

The substance is believed to imitate part of the virus, which is inserted into its genome for replication. The success obtained by the specialists reached over 99%.

The synthetic substance belongs to the Thiopurine group, along with medicines used to treat cancer. This particular type, however, was never used; FIOCRUZ researchers worked with 6MMPr in another study, to fight the virus that causes canine distemper, a dog disease.

The tests were conducted on epithelial and neural cells of both monkeys and humans. For every thousand viruses, 996 were eliminated with the 6MMPr, which amounts to over 99%. Also found was that the higher the dose the higher its efficiency, and that the earlier the substance starts to work, the bigger its success.

In order to fight Zika virus, the substance imitates part of the virus structure in order to “trick” it.

According to the research coordinator, when the virus replicates its genome, it needs tiny structural blocks. For the sake of illustration, he compared the process with a brick wall. It is as if the 6MMPr was able to imitate one of the bricks, so that when Zika virus “builds” the wall, it would stop replicating.

Furthermore, the substance proved safe for use in neural cells. It's going to have few side effects on the nervous system, because if it were more toxic it would be a negative sign. It shows just the opposite, with few toxic agents compared to epithelial cells. In epithelial cells, it's less serious. (Agência Brasil)

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