Dengue virus: molecular basis of cell entry and pathogenesis, 25-27 June 2003, Vienna, Austria.

Multivalent dengue vaccines now in late stage development pose unique vaccine safety challenges in that primary or secondary vaccine failures might place vaccines at risk to antibody-dependent enhanced (ADE) wild-type dengue infections. This conference was organized to address this unique vaccine safety issue. New data were presented on the structure of dengue and other flaviviruses, the cellular receptors of dengue virus for biologically relevant cells, dengue viral cell entry mechanisms and mechanisms underlying in vivo protection, neutralization and enhancement of dengue virus infection. It was concluded that a targeted research program should aim to develop an in vitro test to characterize persons immunized with dengue vaccines as completely or partially protected. Achievement of this aim will require a better understanding of the basic mechanisms by which dengue viruses recognize, attach, enter and infect relevant human cells and how antibodies protect against dengue infections.