The Global Health Threat of Monkeypox Virus: Understanding Its Biology, Transmission, and Potential Therapeutic Interventions

Abstract

Monkeypox virus (MPXV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, shares its genus with Variola virus (VARV), the causative agent of smallpox, and Vaccinia virus (VACV), used for smallpox vaccination. While smallpox has been eradicated, MPXV and related poxviruses continue to pose a global health threat. Monkeypox (Mpox), similar in clinical presentation to smallpox but milder, is endemic in Central and West Africa. Sporadic outbreaks emphasize the potential for wider dissemination. Understanding their biology, transmission, immune evasion, and clinical features informs disease control strategies. The intersection of medical innovation and biotechnology with poxviruses underscores their importance in both disease and scientific advancement. Further research is essential to enhance prevention, management, and therapeutic interventions for these viruses.

Mpox: An Overview of Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Public Health Implications

“…This prolongs the lifespan of infected cells, allowing MPXV to replicate to high levels and spread to neighboring cells without triggering immunemediated clearance. Overall, the evasion strategies employed by MPXV underscore the virus's remarkable ability to subvert host immune defenses and establish persistent infection [21]. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying immune evasion is crucial for the development of effective countermeasures against MPXV infection.…”