# Enhancing dengue virus genomic surveillance to uncover circulating genetic diversity

> **NIH NIH DP2** · YALE UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $1,507,500

## Abstract

Project Summary
New solutions are desperately needed to reduce the annual global burden of dengue. As we are currently
witnessing for SARS-CoV-2, virus genomics can be harnessed to directly inform public health control
measures. For most other pathogens, including dengue virus, we do not have the depth of genomic
information for these uses. For dengue virus, part of the issue is its complexity: it is comprised of four
genetically distinct serotypes with many defined genotypes and even more undefined variants. Furthermore,
our current surveillance and research programs are not set up to fully take advantage of virus genomics. In
this proposal, I will address the major barriers for modernizing dengue virus genomic programs: (1)
development of a universal-dengue virus whole genome sequencing approach utilizing the framework being
established globally for SARS-CoV-2; (2) formation of a collaborative network in the underserved region of the
Caribbean to uncover the circulating dengue virus diversity and provide local training and sequencing support;
(3) utilization of travel surveillance to provide information from beyond the network to serve as a template for
other genomic surveillance systems; (4) development of a new dengue virus genetic classification system to
more easily identify variants of concern/interest and to better utilize the genomic data without needing
complex phylogenetic analysis; (5) creation of a webtool to provide easy access to the variant classification
system, detailed regional and county-level analysis, genomic data, and protocols; and (6) detailed
phylogenetic analysis to uncover key epidemiological processes, like the outbreak emergence interval and
patterns of spread, to aid in future disease forecasting. Completion of the goals outlined in this proposal
would significantly advance our knowledge and assessment of dengue virus diversity, evolution, and
epidemiology. Researchers will be able to capitalize on these data and tools to facilitate the innovation of
genomics-informed control strategies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10471494
- **Project number:** 1DP2AI176740-01
- **Recipient organization:** YALE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Nathan Dale Grubaugh
- **Activity code:** DP2 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $1,507,500
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-09-21 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10471494

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10471494, Enhancing dengue virus genomic surveillance to uncover circulating genetic diversity (1DP2AI176740-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-28 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10471494. Licensed CC0.

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