Type I Interferon Shapes the Quantity and Quality of the Anti-Zika Virus Antibody Response

Abstract

Without susceptible wild-type mouse models, current ZIKV studies rely on type I IFN-deficient animals. Type I IFN signalling is involved in humoral response regulation and thus, assessing type I IFN suppression on B-cell response during ZIKV infection is important. Using serum samples from ZIKV-infected animals that are either Type I IFN competent or transiently suppressed, serological assays revealed more robust antibody response and subtype switching upon type I IFN blockade. This was accompanied by an increase germinal centers, plasma cells and germinal center B cells. Interestingly, although both groups recognized different epitopes in the E and NS1 regions, neutralizing capacity was not altered. Finally, results showed that E protein epitopes are important in controlling ZIKV infection. This study highlights the role of type I IFN in shaping the anti-ZIKV antibody response to generate beneficial antibodies, and will help guide development of vaccines triggering efficient neutralizing antibodies and avoiding detrimental ones.

Keywords: Zika virus, type I interferon, humoral response, antibodies