Poxvirus structural biology for application to vaccine design

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Vaccine Development

Background:

• The global spread of mpox (formerly monkeypox) necessitates improved vaccine strategies.
• Current vaccine development focuses on recombinant technologies like mRNA and protein nanoparticles.
• Understanding poxvirus biology and antigen selection is crucial for effective vaccine design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review orthopoxvirus surface protein structures.
• To guide the selection of optimal antigens for recombinant mpox vaccines.
• To identify potential immunogens for both mature and enveloped virion forms.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of orthopoxvirus surface protein structures.
• Analysis of viral surface proteins involved in cell entry and cell-to-cell spread.
• Evaluation of existing data on antibody induction by viral surface proteins.

Main Results:

• Mpox vaccine antigens must target both mature and enveloped virion forms.
• Surface proteins mediate critical functions like cell entry and spread.
• Some essential membrane fusion proteins have not been fully evaluated for immunogenicity.

Conclusions:

• Structural insights into orthopoxvirus surface proteins are essential for rational vaccine design.
• Further investigation of specific viral proteins, particularly those involved in membrane fusion, is warranted.
• Targeting a comprehensive set of antigens may enhance vaccine efficacy against mpox.