Dengue virus envelope protein serotype 2 (DENV2 E protein)

Dengue virus envelope protein serotype 2 is a class II viral fusion glycoprotein and the major surface protein of DENV2, playing a central role in virus entry and immune recognition. Each mature virion is coated with 180 copies of the E protein, which exists as homodimers and is responsible for attachment to host cell receptors and catalyzing the fusion of the viral envelope with host membranes in a pH-dependent manner. The E protein is divided into three domains—domain I (central), domain II (dimerization and fusion loop), and domain III (receptor-binding). Domain III, in particular, is a key target for potent neutralizing antibodies. The protein’s structure and surface accessibility can undergo temperature-dependent morphological transitions (“smooth” to “bumpy”), affecting the exposure of antibody epitopes and thereby influencing both vaccine efficacy and the risk of ADE. As the main antigenic determinant, DENV2 E protein is a primary target for vaccine and therapeutic monoclonal antibody development, although there are currently no approved drugs that specifically inhibit its function.

Other names

Dengue envelope glycoprotein serotype 2DENV-2 E proteinE protein (DENV2)Envelope glycoprotein E (DENV2)

Neutralizing antibodies: bind to E protein, block receptor binding, and/or lock conformation to prevent membrane fusion Inhibitors: potentially block conformational change or membrane fusion step