Significant Research Provides Fresh Understanding of What Shields Against Dengue

Researchers in the US and Philippines have discovered particular antibodies, referred to as envelope dimer epitope (EDE)-like antibodies, which are crucial for establishing broad, cross-serotype immunity after natural infection or vaccination.

The results signify an important advancement in comprehending dengue immunity and may result in improved treatments.

Regarding Dengue

Dengue is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitoes, resulting from the Dengue virus (DENV), which includes four serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4).

It is mainly spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Transmission: The virus is not passed directly from person to person.

A mosquito acquires the virus by biting a person who is already infected and can later pass the virus to another individual through another bite.

Symptoms include fever, intense headache, muscle and joint discomfort, nausea and vomiting, pain behind the eyes, and skin rashes.

In critical instances, the infection may result in internal bleeding, and if not treated adequately, it can lead to death.

Groundbreaking research provides fresh understanding of factors that shield individuals from dengue.

Therapy: There is no designated cure for dengue. Timely identification of disease advancement with appropriate medical treatment reduces mortality rates of severe dengue to under 1%.

Vaccine: Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) – authorized in certain nations, advised for those aged 9-16 who have a prior dengue infection history.

Dengue and Vaccination Issues

Global burden: It is the most prevalent vector-borne viral illness; half of the global population is at risk, notably in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), dengue fever ranks among the top 10 global health threats.

Dengue in India: A significant portion of worldwide dengue cases is in India, with 230,000 cases and 297 fatalities documented in 2024.

Vaccine challenge: Initial immunity following the first infection may exacerbate disease during a second infection with different serotypes.

Severe cases of dengue (which need hospitalization) arise following second infections.

Genuine protection (secondary immunity) arises solely after infection with two or more serotypes.

Importance of Research

• EDE-like antibodies may serve as a protective immunity biomarker.
• Future vaccinations might specifically try to raise antibody levels that resemble EDE.
• could enhance cross-serotype protection and vaccine safety.