Monkeypox vaccine expected to do wonders
The team conducted genomic research to determine whether genetic mutations seen in the monkeypox virus which was observed in the current outbreak (MPXV-2022) could affect vaccine-induced immune responses to the disease.
Vaccinia virus is a large, complex enveloped virus that belongs to the smallpox family. Since the new virus was first observed in early May, more than 52,000 cases have been confirmed in more than 90 countries and regions, the researchers said.
“Specific VACV-based vaccines have historically demonstrated high efficacy against monkeypox viruses and are recognized as an important response to disease outbreaks,” said Matthew McKay of the University of Melbourne, Australia.
“However, because this is a novel monkeypox virus, we still lack scientific data on how human immune responses elicited by VACV-based vaccines recognize MPXV-2022 and protect against disease,” said McKay said.
The study, recently published in the journal Viruses, evaluated the genetic similarities and differences between VACV and MPXV-2022, particularly within the target protein regions of vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies, or T cells. “While we identified a small number of different mutations in MPXV-2022, more generally, our study shows that VACV and MPXV-2022 are genetically very similar in regions affected by the immune system through vaccination, “explains McKay.
Monkeypox vaccine expected to do wonders
“Based on our analysis, we predict that the immune responses generated by VACV-based vaccines will continue to work well to recognize and respond to MPXV-2022, as has been the case for monkeypox viruses in the past,” said Professor Ahmed Abdul Quadeer, of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
“Our data supports the use of vaccines recommended worldwide for the control of MPXV-2022,” Quadeer said. The World Health Organization has recommended primary preventive vaccination against the new monkeypox virus, also called pre-exposure prophylaxis, for people at high risk of exposure. “While pooling of sequencing and immunological data provides evidence to anticipate a strong immune response, clinical trials are needed to determine the exact efficacy of these vaccines against MPXV-2022,” added McKay.
