Dengue virus type 1 envelope protein (DENV-1 E) (DENV-1 E protein)

The Dengue virus type 1 envelope protein (DENV-1 E) is the primary surface glycoprotein of the DENV-1 virion and is essential for the viral infection cycle (UniProt I3RK72). It mediates the initial attachment of the virus to host cell receptors, such as DC-SIGN, and facilitates the fusion of the viral and host endosomal membranes through a pH-dependent conformational change (NIH, 2009). Structurally, the E protein is organized into three distinct domains (DI, DII, and DIII) and exists as a homodimer on the mature virion surface (PDB 7A3R). As the major target for neutralizing antibodies, the E protein is the central component of licensed vaccines like Dengvaxia and Qdenga, as well as therapeutic monoclonal antibodies like VIS513 (Medsci.org, 2017; NIH, 2024). However, a significant challenge in targeting this protein is antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), where non-neutralizing or sub-neutralizing antibodies can facilitate viral entry into Fc-receptor-bearing cells, potentially exacerbating disease severity (Frontiers in Immunology, 2020). Consequently, therapeutic and prophylactic strategies aim to elicit potent, serotype-specific or broadly neutralizing responses while minimizing the risk of ADE (PNAS, 2020).

Other names

E proteinEnvelope glycoproteinDENV1-EGlycoprotein E

Neutralization of the virus by blocking attachment or fusion; induction of protective immune response (Medsci.org, 2017; Patsnap, 2024).