Targeting dengue virus NS4B protein for drug discovery

• DENV NS4B is a small integral membrane protein with high hydrophobicity.
• DENV NS4B engages in a complex network of protein–protein interactions.
• DENV NS4B involves in evasion of host immune responses.
• DENV NS4B has emerged as a valid antiviral target for drug discovery.

The flavivirus nonstructural 4B protein (NS4B) has recently emerged as a valid antiviral target for drug discovery. Here we review (i) the current understanding of the structure and function of DENV NS4B, (ii) the approaches that have been taken to identify NS4B inhibitors, and (iii) the known inhibitors of flavivirus NS4B protein. This article forms part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on flavivirus drug discovery.