Smallpox Vaccine Elicits CD8+ T Cell Immunity Persisting Over Four Decades with Cross-Recognition of Monkeypox Virus
Monkeypox, caused by MPXV, has become a global public health concern; however, the T-cell immunity against MPXV following smallpox vaccination remains unclear. In this study, we screened the immunogenicity of 21 predicted MPXV epitopes and compared immune responses between young and elderly groups. Two immunogenic CD8 T-cell epitopes, M15 and M17, were identified, both of which effectively…
Smallpox vaccination has been found to induce CD8+ T cell immunity against monkeypox virus (MPXV) that persists for more than four decades, according to a recent study. The research, which analyzed 21 predicted MPXV epitopes, identified two immunogenic CD8 T-cell epitopes, M15 and M17. These epitopes elicited strong immune responses, but the response was significantly stronger in younger individuals.
The study represents the first evidence that the smallpox vaccine can cross-recognize MPXV epitopes M15 and M17, and that this immunity remains detectable for several decades after vaccination. This discovery provides valuable insights into the cross-protective mechanisms of the smallpox vaccine and could aid in the development of future monkeypox vaccines.
Written by urgent.news from bioRxiv's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
