The Zika virus, which has spread to more than 90 countries, continues to pose a global health risk, particularly as its transmission is linked to the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This same mosquito is also responsible for spreading other viruses such as dengue and chikungunya. The rise in Zika cases and its mosquito vector can largely be attributed to increasing climate change and urbanization, which have expanded the habitats of the Aedes mosquito. Despite its widespread transmission, surprisingly little is known about the underlying factors that enhance Zika’s ability to infect humans.
A new study led by researchers at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), published in the journal Communications Biology, sheds light on how Zika virus actively manipulates human skin, increasing its appeal to mosquitoes and enhancing transmission. The findings reveal that the Zika virus does not merely rely on the mosquito to spread; instead, it actively alters the metabolic processes in human skin, making it a more attractive target for mosquitoes.
The Mechanism Behind Zika’s Appeal to Mosquitoes
The study highlights how the Zika virus causes significant metabolic changes in human skin, particularly in the dermal fibroblasts—the cells responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the skin. These changes lead to the increased production of certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals released through the skin. VOCs are known to attract mosquitoes, and the Zika virus seems to harness this mechanism to encourage mosquito bites, thereby increasing the likelihood of transmission.
Dr. Noushin Emami, a Reader at LSTM and co-lead author of the study, explained, “Our findings show that Zika virus isn’t just passively transmitted, but it actively manipulates human biology to ensure its survival.” This discovery suggests that the virus has evolved to enhance its chances of spreading by altering the host’s metabolic processes in a way that increases its visibility to mosquitoes.
These findings are further substantiated by an extensive meta-proteome analysis, a sophisticated technique used to study the collective interactions between genes and proteins within the body. By examining the proteins and other molecules that change in response to Zika infection, the researchers were able to identify key metabolic shifts in the skin that may play a role in increasing mosquito attraction.
Implications for Combatting Zika and Other Arboviruses
The significance of this discovery goes beyond understanding Zika’s transmission cycle. The study reveals an active role for the virus in its own spread, highlighting an area of potential intervention. If scientists can develop genetic interventions that disrupt the signals emitted by infected skin, it may be possible to prevent mosquitoes from being attracted to the human host. Dr. Emami pointed out that the findings open up the possibility of developing new strategies to fight arboviruses, which include not just Zika, but also dengue and chikungunya, both of which are spread by the same mosquito species.
“Understanding the mechanisms by which Zika virus gains a transmission advantage could unlock new methods to combat these diseases,” Dr. Emami said. The study emphasizes the potential of genetic and behavioral interventions, which could range from altering the mosquito’s attraction to infected individuals, to creating preventative measures that reduce the likelihood of mosquito bites altogether.
The Health Impact of Zika Virus
Most Zika infections are relatively mild, with symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain typically lasting for two to seven days. However, the virus can cause more severe complications, particularly for pregnant women. Zika infection during pregnancy can lead to microcephaly, a condition where a baby is born with a smaller-than-normal head and possibly a brain that is underdeveloped. Zika can also cause other serious complications, including Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack nerve cells.
While the vast majority of Zika cases are not severe, the virus remains a significant concern due to its potential to harm unborn children. The latest study highlights how Zika’s ability to manipulate human biology for its own transmission could be critical in understanding and preventing future outbreaks, especially as the Aedes mosquitoes continue to spread into new regions due to climate change and urban expansion.
Collaborative Research and Broader Impact
This research was a collaborative effort involving multiple institutions, including Emami Lab at Stockholm University, the Nature Research Center in Vilnius, University of Veterinary Medicine in Hanover, Molecular Attraction AB, Umeå University, Leibniz University Hannover, and the University of Greenwich. By pooling expertise from various fields, the study produced comprehensive results that not only deepen our understanding of Zika transmission but also pave the way for innovative solutions to reduce the impact of mosquito-borne diseases worldwide.
The collaboration between these international institutions underscores the importance of a global approach to tackling vector-borne diseases, as the factors driving the spread of Zika and other similar viruses are inherently global in nature. Understanding how viruses like Zika manipulate host biology, and specifically how they exploit natural processes to their advantage, is key to designing future strategies that can effectively interrupt these transmission cycles.
Looking Ahead: Preventative Measures and Future Research
While vaccines and mosquito control efforts remain the primary tools in combating Zika and similar diseases, the findings of this study provide new avenues for research into innovative ways to interfere with the transmission process. The hope is that, by understanding the metabolic alterations caused by Zika, scientists could develop novel interventions that reduce the attraction of mosquitoes to infected individuals, or potentially modify the mosquito’s ability to detect these VOCs altogether.
As Zika virus continues to circulate and the distribution of Aedes mosquitoes expands, this study offers an important insight into the biology of virus transmission. Future research will likely focus on targeted interventions to block the metabolic signals that guide mosquitoes to their hosts. By disrupting these interactions at a biological level, it may be possible to curb the spread of the virus in more effective ways, reducing the burden of this dangerous pathogen on global health.
Conclusion
The discovery that Zika virus alters human skin to attract mosquitoes represents a significant leap in our understanding of how this virus successfully spreads. Far from being a passive agent, Zika actively manipulates human biology to ensure its transmission, making it a more effective and dangerous pathogen. With the continuing spread of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing novel control strategies that could reduce transmission and ultimately help prevent outbreaks of Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases. As global health challenges persist, this research opens up new opportunities for targeted interventions that could save lives and mitigate the impact of arboviruses on vulnerable populations.
Reference: Raimondas Mozūraitis et al, Zika virus modulates human fibroblasts to enhance transmission success in a controlled lab-setting, Communications Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s42003-025-07543-9