Characterization of the molecular determinants underlying Zika virus-induced cell migration – MigraVir

Viruses evolved strategies to disseminate by hiding into immune cells and enhance their migrating properties. Viruses induce drastic subcellular rearrangements that may lead to particular types of migratory behavior, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We aim at unravelling the molecular determinants induced by Zika virus (ZIKV) responsible for the increased migrating properties of monocytes and dendritic cells. We recently showed that ZIKV promotes transmigration of monocytes and we are now proposing to investigate the impact of ZIKV on cell migration in a broader range of assays, including microchannels, cerebral organoids and mouse lymphatic vessels. The molecular partners promoting ZIKV-induced cell migration will be identified by proteomics, CRISPR and pharmacological approaches. Our work should offer seminal bases for the development of antiviral and/or anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies through the specific prevention/induction of immune cell migration.