Insights into the fight against Mpox and Smallpox viruses and how they impact our immune system
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 21, 2024 3 months, 1 day, 10 hours, 37 minutes ago
Mpox News: A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center, Frederick, Maryland, USA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia has revealed critical differences in how the Mpox virus (formerly known as monkeypox) and the variola virus (the cause of smallpox) interact with human immune cells. This
Mpox News report delves into the findings of this study, offering an easy-to-understand overview of how these viruses affect our bodies and what it means for the future of antiviral treatments.
Insights into the fight against Mpox and Smallpox viruses and how they impact our immune system
Understanding the Viruses: Mpox and Smallpox
Mpox and smallpox are both caused by viruses from the orthopoxvirus family. While smallpox was eradicated in 1980 through a global vaccination campaign, Mpox remains a public health threat, particularly in Central and West Africa. Recent global outbreaks of Mpox have raised concerns, prompting researchers to investigate how this virus compares to smallpox in terms of its impact on human health.
The research was conducted by teams from the Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study focused on understanding how these viruses affect human immune cells, specifically monocytes.
The Role of Monocytes in Viral Infections
Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in our immune system. They are part of the body's first line of defense, responding quickly to infections by engulfing and destroying pathogens. When a virus like Mpox or variola enters the body, monocytes are among the first cells to react, initiating a series of immune responses designed to fight off the infection.
In this study, researchers sought to compare how monocytes respond to infection by the Mpox virus (Clade I) and the variola virus. Using a technique called kinome analysis, they tracked changes in cellular signaling pathways in monocytes over time, from the moment of infection through the early stages of the immune response.
Key Findings: Differences in Immune Responses
One of the most significant findings from this study is that the Mpox and variola viruses trigger different immune responses in monocytes. Early in the infection, both viruses activate a range of immune pathways, but the specific pathways and their intensity vary between the two viruses.
For instance, the study found that the variola virus causes a strong activation of pro-inflammatory pathways early in the infection. These pathways are crucial for mounting an effective immune response, as they help recruit other immune cells to the site of infection and stimulate the production of antiviral proteins.
In contrast, the Mpox virus appears to take a different approach. While it also activates immune pathways, the study show
ed that these responses are less intense compared to those triggered by the variola virus.
Additionally, the Mpox virus seems to suppress certain immune responses, particularly those related to inflammation, as the infection progresses. This suppression could help the virus evade the immune system, allowing it to persist in the host for longer periods.
Implications for Antiviral Treatments
Understanding these differences in immune responses is critical for developing effective treatments against Mpox and other orthopoxviruses. The study's findings suggest that therapies targeting specific immune pathways could be more effective against one virus than the other.
For example, the research team identified several kinases - enzymes that play a key role in cell signaling - that could be potential targets for antiviral drugs. By inhibiting these kinases, it may be possible to reduce the replication of the Mpox and variola viruses, thereby limiting the severity of the infection.
In experiments with human monocytes, certain kinase inhibitors showed promise in reducing the replication of both viruses. Notably, inhibitors that target the PI3K/Akt pathway, which is involved in cell survival and immune responses, were effective in suppressing viral replication. This discovery opens the door to new therapeutic strategies that could enhance the body's ability to fight off these viruses.
Conclusions: A Step Forward in Combating Emerging Viral Threats
This study represents a significant step forward in our understanding of how the Mpox and variola viruses interact with the human immune system. By highlighting the differences in immune responses to these viruses, the research provides valuable insights that could inform the development of targeted antiviral therapies.
The findings underscore the importance of continued research into the immune mechanisms triggered by different viruses. As the global community continues to face emerging viral threats, such as the recent Mpox outbreaks, having a deeper understanding of how these pathogens operate will be crucial in designing effective countermeasures.
In conclusion, the research findings offer hope for the development of new antiviral treatments that could protect against both Mpox and other orthopoxviruses. As we move forward, the insights gained from this study will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping future public health strategies.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: The Journal of Infectious Diseases.
https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/229/Supplement_2/S265/7444903
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