Ying-Ting Wang

Highlights • ZIKV virus evolution increases pathogenesis in mice • I39V mutation in the NS2B protein confers escape from pre-existing DENV immunity • I39V or I39T mutation increases ZIKV replication in NPCs and mosquitoes Summary Zika virus (ZIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) are arthropod-borne pathogenic flaviviruses that co-circulate in many countries.

Highlights • A substantial body of scientific knowledge have been established from studies on the related SARS- and MERS-CoVs, and their respective diseases. These lessons have started to guide SARS-CoV-2 studies, therapeutics, and vaccinology. • The Spike (S) protein is key to CoV infection and pathogenesis. SARS-CoV-2 S protein shows a stronger binding affinity for host ACE2 receptor and is uniquely cleaved by furin.

Highlights • Vaccination with DENV/ZIKV-cross-reactive peptides elicits a Th1 CD4+ T cell response • Peptide vaccine-elicited cross-reactive CD4+ T cells protect against ZIKV infection • Cross-reactive CD4+ T-cell-mediated protection is dependent on IFNγ or TNF • Cross-reactive CD4+ T-cell-mediated protection occurs in the absence of antibodies Summary The underlying mechanisms by which prior immunity to dengue virus (DENV) affords cross-protection against the related flavivirus Zika virus...