Molecular evolution of 2022 multi-country outbreak-causing monkeypox virus Clade IIb
Perumal Arumugam Desingu1, Tirutani Parthasarathi Rubeni1, K Nagarajan2,3
1Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India.
Iscience
|January 8, 2024
Summary
Genetic variations in monkeypox virus (Mpoxv) Clade IIb, linked to recent outbreaks, were analyzed. Specific mutations were identified, offering insights into the evolution of this significant public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The monkeypox virus (Mpoxv) Clade IIb has been implicated in significant global outbreaks since 2017.
- Understanding the genetic makeup of Clade IIb is crucial, especially given its relation to endemic Clade IIa viruses.
- Previous knowledge on specific genetic variations driving Clade IIb outbreaks remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically analyze and characterize genetic alterations across different Mpox virus clades.
- To identify specific genetic variations distinguishing the pandemic-associated Clade IIb from other clades.
- To elucidate the evolutionary pathways of Mpox virus Clade IIb.
Main Methods:
- Systematic comparative genomic analysis of Mpox virus clades.
- Identification and characterization of various genetic alterations, including genomic gaps, frameshift mutations, and APOBEC3 mutations.
- Analysis of gene-specific variations across Clade I, Clade IIa, and Clade IIb.
Main Results:
- Mpoxv Clade IIb exhibits distinct genetic variations, including genomic gaps, frameshift mutations, in-frame nonsense mutations, amino acid tandem repeats, and APOBEC3 mutations.
- Specific genetic variations were identified in genes common to Clade I and Clade IIb.
- Exclusive genetic variations were found differentiating Clade IIa and Clade IIb.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights significant genetic variations within Mpox virus Clade IIb.
- These findings provide critical insights into the evolution and drivers of recent Mpoxv Clade IIb outbreaks.
- The identified genetic differences may contribute to the distinct epidemiological behavior of Clade IIb.
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