EDE-like Antibodies Identified to Dengue Immunity

Context:

A new multinational study has identified envelope dimer epitope (EDE)-like antibodies as critical determinants of cross-serotype protection against dengue virus, paving the way for improved vaccine design.

About Dengue Virus (DENV)

Caused by four antigenically distinct serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4).
Transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus
Most common vector-borne viral disease globally; 50% of world’s population at risk.

Immunity and Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE)

Primary infection: Produces antibodies that may not neutralise other serotypes effectively; increases risk of severe disease on secondary infection.
ADE occurs when non-neutralising antibodies facilitate viral entry into immune cells, worsening infection.
Secondary immunity after exposure to ?2 serotypes provides true cross-protection.

Envelope Dimer Epitope-like Antibodies

Target quaternary epitope on paired envelope (E) proteins of DENV.
Strongly associated with broad, cross-reactive immunity across all four serotypes.
Highly prevalent (81.8–90.1%) in individuals with secondary immunity; rare (4–12%) in primary immunity cases.
Correlate with reduced risk of symptomatic dengue, hospitalisation, and severe disease; less effective in preventing infection per se.
Explain 42–65% of protective effect of mature virus-neutralising antibodies and 41–75% of E protein-binding antibodies.