Dengue Virus: Molecular Biology and Recent Developments in Control Strategies, Prevention, Management, and Therapeutics

Abstract

Dengue is a viral infection caused by one of four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV), which is responsible for causing potentially life-threatening disease and substantial public health as well as economic burden worldwide. The non-structural and structural proteins of DENV are essential to its viral activity and pathogenesis. Unfortunately, despite numerous efforts, there is still no cure for dengue. Most of the available therapeutic options only provide symptomatic treatment. Since there is a lack of cure and dengue-related substantial economic and public health burden, a safe and effective dengue vaccine is urgently required. Currently, there is only one approved dengue vaccine available that provides suboptimal protection; however, a range of other dengue vaccines are under development to lower the infection burden and decrease dengue morbidities. In addition, numerous dengue therapeutics are also being developed, which have great potential in dengue treatment. These therapeutics mostly act by decreasing viral replication, vascular pathologies, and/or inflammation. This review comprehensively summarizes the latest update on dengue vaccines and therapeutics. Moreover, various other important aspects of DENV, including molecular biology, pathogenesis, and control strategies, have also been discussed.