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Updated: Jul 23, 2025
Evaluation of Host-Pathogen Responses and Vaccine Efficacy in Mice
Published on: February 22, 2019
Recombinant proteins A29L, M1R, A35R, and B6R vaccination protects mice from mpox virus challenge
Ding Tang1, Xiaoke Liu1, Jia Lu1
1Biosafety Level 3 Laboratory, Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
Since May 2022, mutant strains of mpox (formerly monkeypox) virus (MPXV) have been rapidly spreading among individuals who have not traveled to endemic areas in multiple locations, including Europe and the United States. Both intracellular and extracellular forms of mpox virus have multiple outer membrane proteins that can stimulate immune response. Here, we investigated the immunogenicity of MPXV structural proteins such as A29L, M1R, A35R, and B6R as a combination vaccine, and the protective effect against the 2022 mpox mutant strain was also evaluated in BALB/c mice. After mixed 15 μg QS-21 adjuvant, all four virus structural proteins were administered subcutaneously to mice. Antibody titers in mouse sera rose sharply after the initial boost, along with an increased capacity of immune cells to produce IFN-γ alongside an elevated level of cellular immunity mediated by Th1 cells. The vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies significantly inhibited the replication of MPXV in mice and reduced the pathological damage of organs. This study demonstrates the feasibility of a multiple recombinant vaccine for MPXV variant strains.
Insights
A novel mpox (monkeypox virus) vaccine using four structural proteins showed promising results in mice. This combination vaccine effectively generated neutralizing antibodies and provided protection against the 2022 mpox mutant strain.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- The mpox (monkeypox virus) has seen a global surge in cases since May 2022, primarily from non-endemic regions.
- Mpox virus outer membrane proteins are key targets for immune stimulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the immunogenicity of a combined mpox virus vaccine candidate comprising A29L, M1R, A35R, and B6R structural proteins.
- To evaluate the protective efficacy of this vaccine against the 2022 mpox mutant strain in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were subcutaneously immunized with a combination of four MPXV structural proteins and QS-21 adjuvant.
- Humoral and cellular immune responses, including antibody titers and IFN-γ production, were measured.
- Vaccine efficacy was determined by assessing MPXV replication inhibition and organ pathology in mice.
Main Results:
- Subcutaneous administration of the four-protein vaccine induced a significant rise in antibody titers post-boost.
- The vaccine enhanced cellular immunity, evidenced by increased IFN-γ production and Th1 cell activity.
- Vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies effectively suppressed MPXV replication and mitigated organ damage in mice.
Conclusions:
- A multivalent recombinant vaccine targeting MPXV structural proteins is feasible.
- This vaccine candidate demonstrated significant immunogenicity and protective effects against the contemporary mpox variant in a preclinical setting.
