The human host response to monkeypox infection: a proteomic case series study

Area of Science:

• * Infectious disease research
• * Proteomics and host response
• * Emerging infectious diseases

Background:

• * The global increase in monkeypox (MPX) cases necessitates a deeper understanding of the disease.
• * Previous research on MPX host response is limited, particularly concerning proteomic profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To characterize the plasma proteome of monkeypox patients during the current outbreak.
• * To compare the host response in MPX with that of COVID-19.
• * To evaluate the potential of repurposing protein-based biomarker assays for MPX diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• * Plasma proteomic analysis of a cohort of MPX patients.
• * Comparative analysis of MPX and COVID-19 host proteomic responses.
• * Application and evaluation of a targeted protein panel assay.

Main Results:

• * Monkeypox infection is associated with a robust plasma proteomic response, including nutritional and acute phase proteins.
• * A correlation was observed between specific plasma proteins and disease severity.
• * Similarities and key differences were identified when comparing MPX and COVID-19 host responses, such as the differential regulation of CFHR1.
• * A repurposed COVID-19 protein panel assay successfully distinguished MPX cases from healthy controls.

Conclusions:

• * This study provides the first proteomic characterization of the human host response to monkeypox.
• * The findings highlight the potential utility of protein-panel assays for diagnosing MPX and other emerging infectious diseases.
• * Further research into protein-based diagnostic tools for infectious diseases is encouraged.