Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dengue is one of the neglected tropical diseases endemic to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Due to its substantial disease burden, this arthropod-borne viral disease is a significant public health concern. Infection involving any one of the five distinct serotypes causes a wide range of disease manifestations, from self-limiting to mild to life-threatening outcomes. METHODS: The current review comprehensively provides an overview of dengue virus-mediated immunopathogenesis with special emphasis on innate immune cells, their pathogen recognition sensors and their association with pathogenesis. Additionally we have also briefly discussed recent advancements in vaccine studies and the development of therapeutics over the last decade. RESULTS: The immunological response to dengue virus involves an amalgamation of a variety of innate cells and inflammatory mediators, resulting in the favouring or dampening of the antiviral response. Viral components activating innate cells through pattern recognition receptors, such as Toll-like receptors, retinoic-acid-inducible gene I and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5, are vital in eliciting a downstream signalling cascade, which culminates in the secretion of inflammatory proteins. CONCLUSION: Understanding the specific mechanisms involved in the acute phase of infection is indispensable for detecting differential biomarkers against flavivirus infections as well as designing more efficient therapeutic agents and vaccines.