Monkeypox Virus: Epidemiology, Virology, Diagnosis, Vaccine, and Therapeutics

Since 2022, mpox epidemics have been sustaining and escalating over the world, posing a significant public health challenge. While significant progress has been made in diagnostic methodologies, prophylactic vaccines, and therapeutic interventions to mitigate monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection, scientific understanding of MPXV and related orthopoxviruses continues to evolve progressively. In order to keep pace with recent advancements, herein we review progress in mpox research from five key perspectives. This article first summarizes the latest epidemiological profiles, incorporating different viral lineages globally and in China, while highlighting their evolutionary history and distinct clinical characteristics. The virological profiles of MPXV shed light on its complete infectious lifecycle and the formation of distinct virus particle types. Clinically approved classical detection methods and emerging novel testing techniques are provided, establishing a framework for early diagnosis of mpox patients. The efficacy and safety of both licensed vaccines and those under development are analyzed to underscore their value in preventing mpox infection. Additionally, progress in approved and newly identified potential therapeutic agents is summarized and discussed, aiming to provide insights for further drug development and clinical treatment strategies.