The evolutionary biology of dengue virus

Abstract

Studies of the evolution of dengue virus (DENV) have blossomed during the last 20 years, in part due to the increasing availability of viral gene sequence data. Herein I review key aspects of the evolutionary biology of DENV focusing on extent and structure of genetic diversity in DENV, the time and place of DENV origin, the major mechanisms of DENV evolution, and the evolution of DENV virulence. A central conclusion is that despite the high mutation rates common to RNA viruses in general, there are important constraints against adaptive evolution in DENV in particular. These have implications for the escape from immunological recognition and hence for vaccine design. Finally, I note that a fuller understanding of DENV evolution will require more extensive study of the sylvatic cycle, particularly in Africa, which has been largely ignored to date.