Strategies for Zika drug discovery

Zika virus (ZIKV) can cause devastating congenital syndrome in fetuses from pregnant women and autoimmune disorder Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults. No clinically approved vaccine or drug is currently available for ZIKV. This unmet medical need has motivated a global effort to develop countermeasures. Several promising ZIKV vaccine candidates have already entered clinical trials. In contrast, antiviral development of ZIKV is lagging behind. Here, we review the overall strategies for ZIKV drug discovery, including (i) repurposing of clinically approved drugs, (ii) viral replication based phenotypic screening for inhibitors, and (iii) targeted drug discovery of viral proteins. Along with vaccines, the development of antiviral treatment will provide a complementary means to control ZIKV infections.