Monkeypox virus replication and host response in vaginal and ectocervical epithelial cells

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Recent mpox outbreaks highlight sexual transmission, with virus detected in semen.
• Female mpox cases report vaginal lesions, vertical transmission, and miscarriage risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate lower female genital tract (LFGT) susceptibility to monkeypox virus (MPXV).
• To explore sex-hormone influence on MPXV replication.
• To analyze host-virus molecular interactions in LFGT cells.

Main Methods:

• Exposure of human vaginal (VK2/E6E7) and ectocervical (Ect1/E6E7) cells to MPXV clade IIb.
• Assessment of viral replication with and without 17-β-estradiol or progesterone.
• Gene expression analysis (RT-qPCR, RNAseq) and protein release (ELISA).

Main Results:

• Both VK2/E6E7 and Ect1/E6E7 cells supported productive MPXV infection.
• Sex hormones showed a slight reduction in viral replication in Ect1/E6E7 cells.
• MPXV infection significantly altered gene expression, particularly impacting inflammation and tissue remodeling pathways (e.g., MMP-1), and increased MMP-1 release.

Conclusions:

• MPXV productively infects LFGT epithelial cells, modulating key cellular pathways.
• MPXV-induced changes in inflammation and tissue remodeling may affect reproductive health and STI susceptibility.
• Further research is needed to understand the full impact of MPXV on female reproductive health.