Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Aug 17, 2024 3 months, 5 days, 12 hours, 2 minutes ago
Mpox News: Mpox Resurgence and Immune System Evasion
Mpox, also known as monkeypox, has re-emerged as a significant global health concern, especially after its spread to non-endemic regions in 2022. This virus, closely related to the smallpox-causing variola virus, is known for its ability to evade the body's first line of defense - the innate immune system. This evasion makes combating the virus particularly challenging. Researchers from various Iranian institutions, including the Lorestan University of Medical Sciences and the University of Tehran, have been delving into how Mpox manipulates the immune system to establish infection. This
Mpox News report explores their findings and sheds light on the mechanisms behind Mpox's immune evasion.
New insights into understanding Mpox's evasion of the immune system
How Mpox Manipulates the Immune System
Mpox has developed several strategies to escape the immune response, particularly by interfering with key antiviral pathways. The virus produces proteins that disrupt the function of crucial immune signaling pathways, such as the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling and cytokine production. These proteins also hinder the activation of immune cells like Natural Killer (NK) cells, which are vital for combating viral infections.
One of the primary methods Mpox uses to evade the immune system is by producing proteins that inhibit the activation of NF-κB and other transcription factors essential for initiating an immune response. By doing so, the virus can replicate and spread within the host without being detected by the immune system. Additionally, Mpox can interfere with the production of interferons, which are proteins that play a critical role in antiviral defense. This allows the virus to avoid triggering an effective immune response, leading to more severe infections.
The Role of Toll-like Receptors (TLRs) in Immune Response
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of receptors that play a crucial role in the immune system's ability to detect and respond to viral infections. TLRs recognize specific molecular patterns associated with pathogens, including Mpox, and trigger signaling pathways that lead to the production of cytokines and other immune molecules. However, Mpox has developed strategies to evade detection by TLRs, allowing it to replicate unchecked within the host. For instance, TLR9, which recognizes viral DNA, is crucial for activating immune responses against Mpox. However, the virus can suppress the activation of TLR9, reducing the effectiveness of the immune response. Additionally, Mpox can modulate the activation of other TLRs, such as TLR3, which is involved in recognizing viral RNA. By interfering with these pathways, Mpox can avoid being targeted by the immune system, leading to more severe and prolonged infections.
The Inflammasome and Its Role in Mpox Infection
Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that play a critical role in the immune system's ability to detect and respond to infections. Whe
n activated, inflammasomes trigger the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18), and initiate pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death that helps to eliminate infected cells. However, Mpox has developed strategies to interfere with the activation of inflammasomes, allowing the virus to evade immune detection.
Mpox produces proteins that can inhibit the activation of inflammasomes, preventing the production of IL-1β and IL-18. This allows the virus to avoid triggering an inflammatory response, which would otherwise help to eliminate the infection. Additionally, Mpox can interfere with the function of other immune sensors, such as NOD-like receptors (NLRs), which detect intracellular pathogens. By evading detection by inflammasomes and NLRs, Mpox can establish a successful infection and avoid being cleared by the immune system.
The Impact of Mpox on Immunocompromised Individuals
Immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV, cancer, or those who have undergone organ transplants, are particularly vulnerable to Mpox infections. The virus can cause more severe symptoms in these individuals, including widespread rashes, tissue death, and complications in the heart, lungs, and other organs. Additionally, these patients may experience longer recovery times and are at a higher risk of secondary infections, which can further complicate their treatment.
The study findings highlight the importance of understanding how Mpox interacts with the immune system, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. By understanding the mechanisms behind Mpox's immune evasion, researchers hope to develop more effective treatments and preventative measures for those at risk.
Conclusion: The Need for Further Research and Global Health Responses
Mpox's ability to evade the immune system presents significant challenges for global health. The study conducted by Iranian researchers provides valuable insights into the virus's mechanisms of immune evasion, highlighting potential targets for antiviral interventions. However, more research is needed to fully understand these interactions and develop effective treatments.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed: Journal of Innate Immunity (Karger).
https://karger.com/jin/article/doi/10.1159/000540815/911799/Innate-Immune-Response-to-MPOX-Infection
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Mpox News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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