Insights into the Mpox virus

In August 2024, the WHO declared Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) a global health emergency due to the increasing number of Class I Mpox cases in Africa and Sweden, underscoring the urgency of coordinated global efforts to monitor and contain the spread of the virus.

Current vaccines and the need for further research

The Mpox virus belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus within the family Poxviridae and is closely related to the variola virus that causes smallpox. The primary vaccine to prevent Mpox is JYNNEOS, a two-dose vaccine developed against both Mpox and smallpox. However, the emergence of more virulent strains highlights the need for continued research to ensure that existing vaccines remain effective.

Further research is crucial not only for vaccine efficacy but also for understanding the evolving pathogenicity and transmission dynamics of Mpox virus. The virus's ability to spread in previously low-risk populations, including children, and its increasing virulence require the development of new therapeutic strategies and the improvement of existing vaccines.

Understanding the Mpox virus

Mpox virus is an enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus that exists in two forms: the intracellular mature virion (MV) and the extracellular enveloped virion (EV). MPXV enters host cells by attachment and fusion, with MVs typically released upon cell lysis and EVs leaving cells by exocytosis. Key viral proteins homologous to those of vaccinia virus (VACV), such as A35R, A29, B6R, M1R, H3L, and L1R, play critical roles in the virus life cycle.

These proteins are involved in promoting virulence, facilitating cell entry, assisting in viral replication, and evading the host immune response, making them important targets in research and drug development.

Currently, MPXV is diagnosed using PCR, the gold standard, but there are immunodetection methods that offer faster, more accessible and less expensive alternatives by detecting viral antigens directly in biological samples. The development of more sensitive and specific viral proteins and antibodies is crucial for improving diagnostic techniques and advancing vaccine development. It will support the development of affordable, easily manufactured vaccines for global distribution.

Therapeutic targets for Mpox

Identifying and understanding key therapeutic targets of the Mpox virus is critical to developing effective treatments and vaccines. These targets include:

• Viral entry proteins: such as L1R and A35R are crucial for virus entry into host cells. Inhibition of these proteins could prevent infection at the earliest stage.
• Proteins involved in viral replication: I1L and A29 are critical for viral replication and transport within the host cell. Destruction of these proteins could reduce viral load and disease severity.
• Immune escape mechanisms: Mpox uses proteins such as M1R and B6R to evade the host immune system. Neutralizing these proteins could improve the body's ability to fight the infection.
• Vaccine development: The same viral proteins can serve as epitopes in vaccine development, training the immune system to recognize and attack the virus, thus creating immunity to Mpox.
• Advances in antigen targeting: Current research using high-throughput screening methods aims to identify novel antigens in the Mpox virus, which is critical for the discovery of new drug targets and the development of next-generation vaccines.

Sino Biological’s role in Mpox research

Sino Biological is a leader in accelerating Mpox research and offers a comprehensive portfolio of MPXV proteins and antibodies. These include various recombinant MPXV proteins with different tags to meet different research needs. In addition, Sino Biological has developed over 30 antibodies targeting different MPXV antigens and are validated for applications such as LFA, ELISA and WB testing.
Selected MPXV products from Sino Biological:

MAb pairs tested by lateral flow assay (LFA)

The following mAb pairs targeting MPXV A29 were tested in the lateral flow assay (LFA) with a detection sensitivity of 10–100 pg/ml.