Recent research reveals that the Zika virus takes control of the skin in its human host to produce chemical signals that attract more mosquitoes, facilitating the further spread of the disease.
Zika has been transmitted in over 90 countries, largely due to the spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito—the primary carrier of Zika, as well as dengue and chikungunya. This expansion has been intensified in recent years by climate change and urban development. Despite this, there is still a surprising lack of knowledge about what encourages Zika transmission.
A recent study from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, published in Communications Biology, indicates that the Zika virus induces metabolic changes in human skin, essentially turning it from a protective barrier into a lure for mosquitoes.
The research demonstrates that the Zika virus modifies gene and protein expression in dermal fibroblasts—cells that help maintain the skin’s structure. These metabolic shifts boost the production of specific chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that attract mosquitoes, increasing the likelihood of bites. Their conclusions are backed by a comprehensive meta-proteome analysis, a method that evaluates the overall interactions of various genes and proteins within a living organism.
Dr. Noushin Emami, a Reader at LSTM and a co-lead author of the study, stated, “Our research indicates that the Zika virus is not merely transmitted passively; it actively alters human biology to enhance its own survival.”
“As Zika cases rise and the range of Aedes mosquitoes expands, understanding the mechanisms that give them a transmission edge could lead to innovative strategies for tackling arboviruses. This might involve developing genetic solutions to disrupt the signals sent through the skin that attract mosquitoes, presenting both an intriguing and urgent challenge.”
Zika
Most infections with Zika do not result in illness, and when symptoms do appear, they are typically mild and last for about 2 to 7 days.
However, Zika can lead to more severe complications and poses risks to a developing fetus if contracted by a pregnant individual.
This research was carried out in partnership with Emami Lab at Stockholm University, along with researchers from the Nature Research Centre in Vilnius, the University of Veterinary Medicine in Hanover, Molecular Attraction AB, Umeå University, Leibniz University Hannover, and the University of Greenwich.
