Understanding Dengue Proteins: Key Players in Pathogenesis and Treatment Strategies

The Dengue virus, part of the Flaviviridae family of arboviruses, can lead to a range of clinical outcomes, from no symptoms to severe conditions like dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Despite extensive investigation, finding an effective solution for the disease remains challenging. The virus has a single-stranded RNA genome encoding a polyprotein chain, which is cleaved by viral and cellular proteases to produce 10 distinct viral proteins. Understanding these proteins is crucial for managing dengue. They fall into two categories: structural proteins (C-protein, E-protein, and prM), involved in virus entry, assembly, and secretion within host cells, and non-structural proteins (NS1–5), essential for viral assembly, replication, and immune evasion, influencing the development and severity of dengue fever. Furthermore, this review examines the controversy surrounding Dengvaxia, the only commercially available dengue vaccine, and associated risks, while also exploring various approaches for developing a potent antidote for dengue. Key words: Dengue Virus, Viral Proteins, Anti-Dengue Treatment, Structural and Non-Structural Protein, Dengvaxia, Protein Structure