Princeton scientists uncover a factor important for ZIKA Virus host species restriction

(Princeton University) In 2013 and 2015, devastating outbreaks of ZIKA captured world attention. The virus is often transmitted from wild animals -- probably non-human primates -- via mosquitos to humans. This is the first comprehensive study to investigate which mammal species may host the ZIKA virus (ZIKV). 'We systematically tested the ability of ZIKV to infect cells from humans, great apes, New World and Old World monkeys, and mice,' explained Princeton Professor Alexander Ploss.