Simplifying complex sequence information: A PCP-consensus protein binds antibodies against all four Dengue serotypes

► A PCP-consensus antigen was designed based on the physicochemical properties of 671 unique DENV sequences. ► Two regions of maximum variability were adjusted to obtain recognition by antibodies against DENV-4. ► The optimized protein was recognized by polyclonal antibodies against all four DENV serotypes. ► Two amino acids in the N-terminus were essential for good binding to all four serotype specific antibodies.