An overview on mRNA-based vaccines to prevent monkeypox infection

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Human monkeypox virus (Mpox), a double-stranded DNA virus in the Poxviridae family, presents two clades: West African and Congo Basin.
• Current Mpox prevention relies on modified smallpox vaccines (ACAM2000, JYNNEOS), with JYNNEOS offering a better safety profile.
• The resurgence of Mpox, despite smallpox vaccine cessation, highlights the need for novel prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a synopsis of current research, development, and testing of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against Mpox.
• To explore the potential of mRNA vaccine technology as a viable alternative to existing Mpox therapies.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on Mpox virology and epidemiology.
• Analysis of the principles and advantages of mRNA vaccine technology, drawing parallels with SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
• Examination of the cross-protection offered by smallpox vaccines and their limitations.

Main Results:

• mRNA vaccines offer potential advantages including high potency, safety, low-cost manufacturing, and rapid development.
• The established efficacy of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 provides a strong foundation for their application to Mpox.
• Smallpox vaccines demonstrate cross-protection but have associated risks, underscoring the need for alternatives.

Conclusions:

• mRNA vaccine technology presents a promising avenue for effective Mpox prevention.
• Further research and clinical trials are essential to validate the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines for Mpox.
• mRNA vaccines could potentially replace current whole-virus vaccines, offering a more advanced and adaptable solution for Mpox control.