New Zika Virus Research from Mahidol University Described (Strain Variation Can Significantly Modulate the miRNA Response to Zika Virus Infection).

A new report from Mahidol University in Thailand discusses the impact of strain variation on the microRNA (miRNA) response to Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. The study found that ZIKV infection can alter the expression of miRNAs in host cells, some of which have proviral effects while others have antiviral effects. The researchers investigated the expression of 22 miRNAs in human cells infected with two different ZIKV strains and found significant differences in expression between the strains. They also identified specific miRNAs that modulate antiviral effects against ZIKV. The study highlights the importance of considering strain variation when studying the role of miRNAs in ZIKV and other virus infections. [Extracted from the article]