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Role of cytokines in poxvirus host tropism and adaptation
Masmudur M Rahman1, Grant McFadden1
1Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, USA.
Abstract:
Poxviruses are a diverse family of double-stranded DNA viruses that cause mild-to-severe disease in selective hosts, including humans. Although most poxviruses are restricted to their hosts, some members can leap host species and cause zoonotic diseases and, therefore, are genuine threats to human and animal health. The recent global spread of monkeypox in humans suggests that zoonotic poxviruses can adapt to a new host, spread rapidly in the new host, and evolve to better evade host innate barriers. Unlike many other viruses, poxviruses express an extensive repertoire of self-defense proteins that play a vital role in the evasion of host innate and adaptive immune responses in their newest host species. The function of these viral immune modulators and host-specific cytokine responses can result in different host tropism and poxvirus disease progression. Here, we review the role of different cytokines that control poxvirus host tropism and adaptation.
Insights
Poxviruses can cause zoonotic diseases, threatening human and animal health. Cytokines play a key role in how these viruses adapt to new hosts and evade immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Poxviruses are double-stranded DNA viruses causing diseases in various hosts.
- Some poxviruses can cross species, leading to zoonotic diseases and posing health risks.
- The recent monkeypox outbreak highlights the adaptability and rapid spread of zoonotic poxviruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of cytokines in poxvirus host tropism and adaptation.
- To understand how poxviruses evade host immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on poxviruses, cytokines, and host immune responses.
- Analysis of viral immune modulator functions and host-specific cytokine interactions.
Main Results:
- Poxviruses possess extensive self-defense proteins to evade host immunity.
- Cytokine responses significantly influence poxvirus host tropism and disease progression.
- Viral immune modulators and host cytokines interact to determine viral adaptation.
Conclusions:
- Cytokines are crucial in controlling poxvirus host tropism and adaptation.
- Understanding these interactions is vital for managing zoonotic poxvirus threats.
- Poxvirus immune evasion strategies are key to their success in new hosts.
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