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Updated: Feb 25, 2026

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Modeling The Lifecycle Of Ebola Virus Under Biosafety Level 2 Conditions With Virus-like Particles Containing Tetracistronic Minigenomes
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Monkeypox virus: the complexities of a resurgent threat
Florian Full1, Julia Rebecca Port2, Denisa Bojkova3
1Institute of Virology, University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwig-University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
American Journal of Physiology. Cell Physiology
|February 23, 2026
Summary
Mpox virus (MPXV) outbreaks reveal critical knowledge gaps in its molecular virology and host immune interactions. Understanding MPXV
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mpox disease, caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), has recently experienced global outbreaks with sustained human-to-human transmission.
- Factors such as a broad host range, genomic adaptability, immune evasion, and declining immunity from smallpox vaccination cessation contribute to MPXV's epidemic potential.
- Significant gaps exist in understanding MPXV's molecular virology and its complex interactions with the host immune system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the MPXV lifecycle, viral mechanisms for hijacking host cells, and virus-host immune interplay.
- To evaluate existing therapeutic and vaccination strategies against MPXV.
- To identify critical knowledge gaps for enhancing outbreak resilience and response.
Main Methods:
- Literature review consolidating current scientific insights.
- Analysis of MPXV molecular mechanisms and host immune evasion strategies.
- Evaluation of current interventions and vaccination approaches.
Main Results:
- MPXV utilizes specific molecular machinery to exploit host cellular pathways for replication and dissemination.
- The virus employs strategies to resist host immune responses, including interferon resistance and evasion of NK cells.
- Existing interventions and vaccines are being assessed for their efficacy in controlling MPXV transmission and disease.
Conclusions:
- Addressing knowledge gaps in MPXV molecular virology and host immunity is crucial for effective outbreak response.
- Further research is needed to strengthen resilience against MPXV and similar orthopoxvirus threats.
- A comprehensive understanding of MPXV is essential for developing robust long-term control strategies.
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