A research team led by the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut examined the interaction between the Zika virus and the antiviral restriction factor tetherin. The scientists discovered that although infected cells increase their production of the antiviral tetherin protein in response to the virus infection, the Zika virus is able to mediate the rapid breakdown of tetherin and thus successfully subvert the immune system. These findings are important for the development of antiviral therapies against many other viruses as well. The Journal of Virology reported on the results in its online edition from 22 December 2021.