For the first time, the Zika virus is released in high resolution

Three-dimensional image of the Zika virus; the biggest zoom is already done on this type of virus

At the time of the World Cup, some unsuspecting might even think that it's a football. In fact, it is the most detailed three-dimensional image ever made of the Zika virus. The ever deeper knowledge of the structure of this flavivirus is essential for the diagnosis, for the development of cures for the disease and even for the creation of a vaccine.

Researchers at Purdue University in the United States were the first to reveal the structure of the Zika virus in 2016 after Brazil had faced an epidemic of babies born with microcephaly because their mothers had been exposed to the virus during pregnancy.

Now they have realized a new image, with even greater resolution; equivalent, have an idea, the size of two atoms. This is the biggest zoom ever made on such a virus. The discovery was published in the Tuesday issue of Structure magazine.

"It's the most accurate picture we have of the virus so far," said Michael Rossmann, a professor of biological sciences at the university. "The result gives us new ways to develop antiviral compounds and also gives us the basis of the structure of a vaccine."

In addition to chemical interactions between drugs and viruses, there is a structural problem, more mechanical. Imagine this image of the virus as a structure composed of lego pieces.

In this high degree of detail, it is possible to see "windows" for the entry of drugs and immunizantes. It is also possible to invest in the design of these compounds to facilitate their entry into the virus. It can also study the parts of the virus's structure that bind to healthy cells to infect them.

"We are learning how the virus works to be able to manipulate it and avoid the disease," said Rossmann.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus is present today in 86 countries. This year, in Brazil, about 3,000 cases of the disease have been recorded, most of them in the north-east, west-central, and south-east. Only one death has been confirmed.