Dengue virus (DENV) is the cause of dengue fever. It is a mosquito-borne single positive-stranded RNAvirus of the family Flaviviridae; genus Flavivirus.[1][2] Five serotypes of the virus have been found,[3][4] all of which can cause the full spectrum of disease.[1] Nevertheless, scientists are finding their understanding of dengue virus may be simplistic, as rather than distinct antigenic groups there appears to be a continuum.[5] This same study identified 47 strains of dengue virus.[6] Additionally, coinfection with and lack of rapid tests for zika virus and chikungunya complicate matters in real world infections.
The DENV E (envelope) protein, found as a dimer on the surface of the mature viral particle, is important in the initial attachment of this particle to the host cell. Each E protein monomer comprises three ectodomains, ED1 to ED3, and a trans-membrane segment. ED2 includes the dimerization interface, two glycosylation sites, and the peptide of fusion with the cellular membrane. ED3 is a continuous polypeptide segment; its fold is compact and immunoglobulin-like.[24][25] Dengue virus is transmitted by a mosquito known as Aedes. Several molecules which interact with the viral E protein (ICAM3-grabbing non-integrin,[26] CD209,[27] Rab 5,[28] GRP 78,[29] and the mannose receptor [30]) have been shown to be important factors mediating attachment and viral entry.[25] The membrane form of Ribosomal protein SA may also be involved in the attachment.[31] Recombinant domains of the E protein are used as well-defined antigens in the serological detection of antibodies directed against dengue virus and as immunogens in vaccine candidates.[32][33][34]
CG00863 is a high affinity rabbit IgG directed against the E protein of Dengue virus.