Dengue structural proteins as antiviral drug targets: Current status in the drug discovery & development

Dengue virus belongs to the class of RNA viruses and subclass of enveloped single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus. It causes dengue fever (DF), dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), where DHF and DSS are life-threatening. Even though dengue is an age-old disease, it is still a mystery and continues to be a global threat. Numerous attempts have been carried out in the past few decades to eradicate the virus through vaccine and antiviral drugs, but still battle continues. In this review, the possible drug targets for discovery and development of potential antiviral drugs against structural proteins of dengue virus, the current development status of the antiviral drugs against dengue around the world, and challenges that need to be addressed to overcome the shortcomings in the process of drug discovery have been discussed. [Display omitted] •Structural proteins are building blocks of viruses, targeting them to weaken the virus and eventually kills it. Therefore can be a promising drug target for treating dengue viral infections.•Envelope proteins are one of the widely studied structural proteins and are the most promising anti-dengue drug target.•The area of interest for the treatment of dengue is mainly shifting towards peptide drugs.•The antiviral drugs should be fast-acting as the acute dengue infection lasts for a week only.