Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

A Simple and Efficient Approach to Construct Mutant Vaccinia Virus Vectors
Published on: October 30, 2016
Immunization with a single extracellular enveloped virus protein produced in bacteria provides partial protection
Min Fang1, Hong Cheng, Zhongping Dai
1Program of Viral Pathogenesis, Division of Basic Science, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA.
Abstract:
Subunit vaccines that use the vaccinia virus extracellular envelope protein A33R alone or combined with other structural proteins are excellent candidates for a new smallpox vaccine. Since a new smallpox vaccine would be used in humans, who are the natural hosts for the Orthopoxvirus variola, the agent of smallpox, it would be important to determine whether a prospective smallpox vaccine can protect from a lethal Orthopoxvirus infection in a natural host. We addressed this question using the mouse-specific Orthopoxvirus ectromelia virus. We demonstrate that immunization with recombinant ectromelia virus envelope protein EVM135 or its ortholog vaccinia virus A33R produced in E. coli protects susceptible mice from a lethal ectromelia virus infection. This is the first report that a subunit vaccine can provide protection to a lethal Orthopoxvirus infection in its natural host.
Related Concept Videos
Smallpox
Vaccinations
Vaccines
Poliomyelitis
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Active versus Passive Immunity
Active Immunity
Active immunity refers to the resistance one develops...

