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Adaptive Evolution of Dengue Virus: Interplay Between Viral Genetics and Host Immunity
Md Eram Hosen1,2, Sumaiya Jahan Supti3, Paul F Horwood4,5
1Biomedical Sciences and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.
Reviews in Medical Virology
|December 5, 2025
Summary
Dengue virus (DENV) evolves through complex interactions between its RNA genome, mosquito vectors, and host immunity. Understanding these factors is key to controlling this global arboviral pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Dengue virus (DENV) is a significant arboviral pathogen with rapid evolution.
- Understanding the drivers of DENV adaptive mutations remains a critical research gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms, vector adaptation, and host immune pressures driving DENV evolution.
- To synthesize current knowledge on how these factors collectively shape DENV's adaptive landscape.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on viral molecular mechanisms (e.g., RNA polymerase, recombination).
- Analysis of DENV adaptation in mosquito vectors (e.g., Aedes mosquitoes).
- Examination of host immune responses (e.g., T cell responses, signaling pathways) influencing viral evolution.
Main Results:
- DENV evolution is driven by its error-prone RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, template switching, recombination, and RNA secondary structures.
- Adaptive mutations in DENV proteins (capsid, envelope, NS1, NS5) affect virulence, transmission, and immune evasion.
- Vector adaptation involves overcoming infection barriers in mosquitoes, enhancing transmission potential.
- Host immunity, including T cell responses and signaling pathway modulation, significantly shapes DENV evolution.
Conclusions:
- DENV evolution results from a dynamic interplay between viral genetics, mosquito vectors, and host immunity.
- Insights into these evolutionary drivers are crucial for developing effective DENV control strategies.
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