Life and death of smallpox

An mpox quadrivalent mRNA vaccine elicits sustained and protective immunity in mice against lethal vaccinia virus challenge

Assessing the long-term efficacy of MPXV vaccine candidates is crucial for the global response to the ongoing mpox epidemic. Built upon our previous study of the mpox quadrivalent mRNA vaccine, herein we reported that MPXV-1103 could elicit sustained humoral and cellular immunity in mice, including the induction of MPXV A35/B6/A29/M1-specific IgG antibodies, VACV neutralizing antibodies and activated cytotoxic CD8+T cells, which provides 100% protection against lethal VACV challenge even at 280 days after the first vaccination. Our results provide critical insights for orthopoxvirus vaccine development.

Antiviral Activity of the Acyclic Nucleoside Phosphonate Prodrug LAVR-289 against Poxviruses and African Swine Fever Virus

Poxviruses are double-stranded DNA viruses including relevant zoonotic pathogens with high morbidity and potential biological warfare threats. Although African swine fever virus belongs to the Asfarviridae family and is not strictly classified as a Poxviridae member, both fall within the same class of Pokkesviricetes that replicate in the cytoplasm. Among compounds targeting these viruses, acyclic nucleoside phosphonate (ANP) prodrugs are promising inhibitors of viral DNA polymerases. However, some limitations related to their toxicity and the rapid emergence of resistance highlight the need for new antiviral molecules. In this study, we tested a new ANP called LAVR-289. This product effectively inhibits viral replication by targeting a specific domain in the poxvirus DNA polymerase. Using monkeypox virus models, the subcutaneous or oral administration of LAVR-289 demonstrated protective efficacy in infected animals without toxicity. Its in vivo half-life, long on-the-shelf stability and broad-spectrum efficacy make LAVR-289 a promising candidate for further development and stockpiling as a medical countermeasure against dsDNA virus outbreaks. LAVR-289 can be positioned in the context of recurrent viral epidemics, bioterrorism risk, and the emergence of resistant strains in the population.

Geographical characteristics and formation mechanisms of smallpox epidemics in Hubei Province, China, 1488-1949

Smallpox is a highly contagious and ancient disease influenced by natural and social factors. These factors led to the wide spread of smallpox in Hubei Province of China during the historical period. We conducted the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of smallpox epidemics and their formation mechanism in Hubei Province of China during 1488-1949. Based on epidemic history and environmental data, we used M-K test, wavelet analysis, spatial autocorrelation model, epidemic center of gravity model and geographically weighted regression models.In terms of temporal changes, the earliest smallpox in Hubei Province can be traced to the Ming Dynasty. Smallpox epidemics in the Republic of China showed fluctuating and changing trends; in 1939, incidences of smallpox grew abruptly. Smallpox epidemics in the Republic of China occurred on a fluctuating cycle of two time scales: 8 years and 18 years. The epidemic season was mainly spring and summer.Smallpox epidemics in Hubei Province had a wide spatial scope and exhibited spreading and diffusion characteristics; three towns of Wuhan, Suixian and Yichang were the centers of the epidemics. Smallpox epidemics exhibited significant spatial concentrations; high concentration areas occurred mainly in Wuchang, Hankou and Hanyang. The center of gravity of the epidemics exhibited a small swing from east to west and gradually shifted to the west.River networks, road networks, wars and other factors promoted smallpox epidemics; river networks and war factors were significant in eastern Hubei Province; road network factors were significant in southern Hubei Province; and droughts somewhat inhibited smallpox epidemics in western Hubei Province. Temperature fluctuations, droughts and floods, and war outbreaks played dominant roles in the temporal characteristics of smallpox epidemics in Hubei Province, and topography, population distribution and population movement played dominant roles in the spatial distribution pattern of smallpox epidemics in Hubei Province. We must establish and improve an epidemic monitoring and early warning system, pay attention to key areas, strengthen inspection and quarantine, stockpile smallpox vaccines, develop therapeutic drugs, and strengthen prevention of bioterrorism. Our study revealed how smallpox spreads in terms of both spatial and temporal patterns and mechanisms, and based on this, we can propose preventive and control measures against smallpox reemergence and its similar viruses.

The Impact of Public Health and Medical Theory on the Societal Response to the 1889 Russian Flu

The 1889 Russian (also called 'Asiatic') Flu epidemic can be described as one of the first modern pandemics. The development of extensive railroad and shipping networks during and prior to this period facilitated the previously unprecedented movement of goods and people around the world. It additionally propagated the process of shrinking the barriers between the countryside and major metropolises. While the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in lockdown measures nearly worldwide and prompted widespread social, economic, and cultural disruptions, the Russian Flu was not accompanied by such drastic changes. In this article, it is argued that the blunted historical consciousness of this epidemic were a result of a combination of factors, including the nascent state of scientific research and understanding of infectious diseases, the circumscribed reach of media, implicit comparisons to other contemporary epidemics, temporal closeness to the Spanish Flu and suppression of memory, and most substantially the lack of an organized public health apparatus to act upon the epidemic. As a result, the 1889 Russian pandemic, though significant in terms of its mortality and economic impact, was quickly forgotten from the collective consciousness and has long been a hidden lesson from history.

The earliest report of smallpox oral vaccination by Bahā' al-Dawlah Rāzī in the 16th century

Smallpox is one of the viral and contagious diseases that were always talked about and deadly epidemics that killed many people for many centuries. Through the analysis of historical and textual material, this paper seeks to investigate the smallpox eradication process. It starts with a brief history of smallpox before listing the common methods of eradicating the illness throughout the 16th century. There was a type of traditional oral smallpox vaccination, reported by Bahā' al-Dawlah Rāzī, a Persian physician in his book, Khulāsāt al-Tajārib (The Summary of Experiences). This method could be considered the earliest remained report of practical solution to prevent smallpox; at least 3 centuries earlies than smallpox vaccination by Edward Jenner.

Mast cell activators as adjuvants for intranasal mucosal vaccines

Mast cells have roles in immune regulation, allergy, and host response to pathogens. Compounds that activate mast cells (MCAs) can serve as vaccine adjuvants, potentially outperforming current FDA-approved options, especially for mucosal vaccines. While most vaccines are administered intramuscularly, intranasal and needle-free formulations offer benefits like improved compliance and accessibility. However, the lack of effective adjuvants limits mucosal vaccine development. This review explores MCAs as promising alternatives to traditional adjuvants, aiming to enhance mucosal vaccine efficacy. We summarize the nascent work of formulating MCAs like compound 48/80 into nanoparticles, with excipients such as chitosan and chitosan/alginate. Other MCAs like the peptide mastoparan 7 complexed with CpG have formed nanoparticle complexes that illustrate protective mucosal immunity in a model of influenza. The small molecule MCA ST101036, when encapsulated in acetalated dextran particles, has demonstrated enhanced immune responses and protection in a West Nile Virus model of infection. This review highlights the potential of MCAs as potent vaccine adjuvants, particularly for mucosal vaccines, and summarizes, recent advancements in formulating these activators into nanoparticles to enhance immune responses and protection.

Vaccines in Dermatology-Present and Future: A Review

Dermatological vaccines have emerged as critical tools in preventing and managing a wide spectrum of skin conditions ranging from infectious diseases to malignancies. By synthesizing evidence from existing literature, this review aims to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of vaccines used in dermatology, including both approved vaccines and those currently being researched. Vaccines discussed in this paper include those targeting dermatoses and malignancies (e.g., acne vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, and melanoma); infectious diseases (e.g., human papillomavirus (HPV); varicella zoster virus (VZV); herpes zoster (HZ); warts; smallpox; mpox (monkeypox); hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD); candidiasis and Group B Streptococcus (GBS); and neglected tropical diseases (e.g., Buruli ulcer, leprosy, and leishmaniasis). Through this review, we aim to provide a detailed understanding of the role of vaccines in dermatology, identify knowledge gaps, and propose areas for future research.

Left out in the cold - inequity in infectious disease control due to cold chain disparity

Vaccines and diagnostic tools stand out as among the most influential advancements in public health, credited with averting an estimated 6 million deaths annually and substantially alleviating the burden of infectious disease. Despite this progress, the global imperative to prevent, detect, and combat infectious disease persists. Regrettably, hundreds of thousands of lives are still lost due to inadequate access to vaccines and diagnostics. A critical obstacle in accessibility lies in the requirement of reliable cold chain for their transportation and storage, a resource that remains inadequate in many regions, particularly in the developing world. Various factors, including socio-economic disparities, biological complexities, and manufacturing processes, exert significant influence on the availability and integrity of vaccines and diagnostic materials. This review aims to explore the multifaceted issue of inequality in access to disease control tools, examining the vulnerabilities of vaccines and diagnostics while also investigating recent advancements that offer promising solutions to improve thermal stability.

Lipoprotein Signal Peptide as Adjuvants: Leveraging Lipobox-Driven TLR2 Activation in Modern Vaccine Design

Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signaling is a pivotal component of immune system activation, and it is closely linked to the lipidation of bacterial proteins. This lipidation is guided by bacterial signal peptides (SPs), which ensure the precise targeting and membrane anchoring of these proteins. The lipidation process is essential for TLR2 recognition and the activation of robust immune responses, positioning lipidated bacterial proteins as potent immunomodulators and adjuvants for vaccines against bacterial-, viral-, and cancer-related antigens. The structural diversity and cleavage pathways of bacterial SPs are critical in determining lipidation efficiency and protein localization, influencing their immunogenic potential. Recent advances in bioinformatics have significantly improved the prediction of SP structures and cleavage sites, facilitating the rational design of recombinant lipoproteins optimized for immune activation. Moreover, the use of SP-containing lipobox motifs, as adjuvants to lipidate heterologous proteins, has expanded the potential of vaccines targeting a broad range of pathogens. However, challenges persist in expressing lipidated proteins, particularly within heterologous systems. These challenges can be addressed by optimizing expression systems, such as engineering E. coli strains for enhanced lipidation. Thus, lipoprotein signal peptides (SPs) demonstrate remarkable versatility as adjuvants in vaccine development, diagnostics, and immune therapeutics, highlighting their essential role in advancing immune-based strategies to combat diverse pathogens.

An Evolutionary Framework Exploiting Virologs and Their Host Origins to Inform Poxvirus Protein Functions

Poxviruses represent evolutionary successful infectious agents. As a family, poxviruses can infect a wide variety of species including humans, fish, and insects. While many other viruses are species-specific, an individual poxvirus species is often capable of infecting diverse hosts and cell types. For example, the prototypical poxvirus, vaccinia, is well known to infect numerous human cell types but can also infect cells from divergent hosts like frog neurons. Notably, poxvirus infections result in both detrimental human and animal diseases. The most infamous disease linked to a poxvirus is smallpox caused by variola virus. Poxviruses are large double-stranded DNA viruses, which uniquely replicate in the cytoplasm of cells. The model poxvirus genome encodes ~200 nonoverlapping protein-coding open reading frames (ORFs). Poxvirus gene products impact various biological processes like the production of virus particles, the host range of infectivity, and disease pathogenesis. In addition, poxviruses and their gene products have biomedical application with several species commonly engineered for use as vaccines and oncolytic virotherapy. Nevertheless, we still have an incomplete understanding of the functions associated with many poxvirus genes. In this chapter, we outline evolutionary insights that can complement ongoing studies of poxvirus gene functions and biology, which may serve to elucidate new molecular activities linked to this biomedically relevant class of viruses.

Understanding vaccine hesitancy: Insights from social media on polio, human papilloma virus, and COVID-19 in Zambia

Objectives

Vaccine hesitancy remains a critical challenge to public health in Zambia and globally, necessitating a deeper understanding of the factors influencing this phenomenon. The study analyzed user-generated Facebook comments from January 2021 to December 2023 to understand the factors influencing vaccine hesitancy in Zambia.

Methods

This study employed a qualitative case study design, focusing on the official Facebook page of the Ministry of Health in Zambia. A purposeful sampling technique was used, collecting comments that discussed vaccine hesitancy related to polio, human papilloma virus (HPV), and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines.

Results

The analysis revealed that men contributed 77.5% of comments followed by women with 22.5%. The majority of comments (82.5%) pertained to COVID-19 vaccines, followed by polio (14.1%) and HPV (3.4%). Notably, women expressed greater hesitancy toward polio vaccines (60%) compared to COVID-19 (19.9%) and HPV (12.5%). Thematic analysis highlighted significant hesitancy against vaccines shaped by vaccine safety and efficacy concerns, frequent calls for vaccination particularly against polio, conspiracy theories, distrust in health authorities, and poor communication from health authorities. Other drivers of vaccine hesitancy were reliance on spiritual beliefs, herbal remedies and natural immunity, and the pervasive spread of misinformation.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the barriers to vaccine acceptance, emphasizing the critical need for transparent communication and community engagement. To improve vaccine uptake, public health strategies must address community-specific concerns, foster trust, and enhance the effectiveness of health communication efforts.

Virulence and Immune Evasion Strategies of FMDV: Implications for Vaccine Design

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is globally recognized as a highly economically devastating and prioritized viral disease affecting livestock. Vaccination remains a crucial preventive measure against FMD. The improvement of current vaccine platforms could help control outbreaks, leading to the potential eradication of the disease. In this review, we describe the variances in virulence and immune responses among FMD-susceptible host species, specifically bovines and pigs, highlighting the details of host-pathogen interactions and their impact on the severity of the disease. This knowledge serves as an important foundation for translating our insights into the rational design of vaccines and countermeasure strategies, including the use of interferon as a biotherapeutic agent. Ultimately, in this review, we aim to bridge the gap between our understanding of FMDV biology and the practical approaches to control and potentially eradicate FMD.

The "angioletti" of Palermo: the health and development of mummified non-adults in late modern Palermo, Sicily (1787-1880 CE)

The Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo, Sicily, have been home to non-adult mummified remains since the seventeenth century CE. Despite the increasing numbers of scientific studies conducted at this site, very little research has focused specifically on the youngest members of late modern (1787-1880 CE) society. This research aims to redress the balance by examining 43 individuals to gain insight into the demographic profile of mummified non-adults, to characterize their health status and possible cause of death, and to better understand the funerary treatment offered to the youngest members of society. A portable X-ray unit was used to capture anteroposterior and lateral images of each mummy; this facilitated age estimation, the identification of pathological and/traumatic lesions, and evidence of conservation and the mummification process more generally. This study revealed that regardless of age and health status at the time of death, the mortuary rite performed was primarily influenced by the wealth and social standing of the deceased's kin. No demographic trends were observed in the data and the lack of evidence of metabolic, neoplastic, and traumatic bone lesions suggest these non-adults died from short-term, acute illnesses. Even when individuals did display evidence of chronic health conditions that would have impacted their day-to-day lives (e.g., B035), they were not excluded from this mortuary tradition on the basis of their long-term health and care requirements in life. Artifacts were found with all individuals examined and were associated with the mummification process, conservation of mummies, and/or their display. This research has ultimately demonstrated that non-invasive imaging can be used to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the lives and deaths of non-adults inhabiting late modern Palermo.

Towards a Comprehensive Definition of Pandemics and Strategies for Prevention: A Historical Review and Future Perspectives

The lack of a universally accepted definition of a pandemic hinders a comprehensive understanding of and effective response to these global health crises. Current definitions often lack quantitative criteria, rendering them vague and limiting their utility. Here, we propose a refined definition that considers the likelihood of susceptible individuals contracting an infectious disease that culminates in widespread global transmission, increased morbidity and mortality, and profound societal, economic, and political consequences. Applying this definition retrospectively, we identify 22 pandemics that occurred between 165 and 2024 AD and were caused by a variety of diseases, including smallpox (Antonine and American), plague (Justinian, Black Death, and Third Plague), cholera (seven pandemics), influenza (two Russian, Spanish, Asian, Hong Kong, and swine), AIDS, and coronaviruses (SARS, MERS, and COVID-19). This work presents a comprehensive analysis of past pandemics caused by both emerging and re-emerging pathogens, along with their epidemiological characteristics, societal impact, and evolution of public health responses. We also highlight the need for proactive measures to reduce the risk of future pandemics. These strategies include prioritizing surveillance of emerging zoonotic pathogens, conserving biodiversity to counter wildlife trafficking, and minimizing the potential for zoonotic spillover events. In addition, interventions such as promoting alternative protein sources, enforcing the closure of live animal markets in biodiversity-rich regions, and fostering global collaboration among diverse stakeholders are critical to preventing future pandemics. Crucially, improving wildlife surveillance systems will require the concerted efforts of local, national and international entities, including laboratories, field researchers, wildlife conservationists, government agencies and other stakeholders. By fostering collaborative networks and establishing robust biorepositories, we can strengthen our collective capacity to detect, monitor, and mitigate the emergence and transmission of zoonotic pathogens.

The mark of success: The role of vaccine-induced skin scar formation for BCG and smallpox vaccine-associated clinical benefits

Skin scar formation following Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) or smallpox (Vaccinia) vaccination is an established marker of successful vaccination and 'vaccine take'. Potent pathogen-specific (tuberculosis; smallpox) and pathogen-agnostic (protection from diseases unrelated to the intentionally targeted pathogen) effects of BCG and smallpox vaccines hold significant translational potential. Yet despite their use for centuries, how scar formation occurs and how local skin-based events relate to systemic effects that allow these two vaccines to deliver powerful health promoting effects has not yet been determined. We review here what is known about the events occurring in the skin and place this knowledge in the context of the overall impact of these two vaccines on human health with a particular focus on maternal-child health.

The Potential of Single-Chain Variable Fragment Antibody: Role in Future Therapeutic and Diagnostic Biologics

The advancement of genetic engineering has revolutionized the field of immunology by allowing the utilization of intrinsic antibody structures. One of the biologics that are being produced by recombinant antibody technology is single-chain fragments variable (scFv). Genes of variable regions, the heavy and light chains that are genetically linked into a single transcript by a short flexible linker peptide, are used to generate this fragment from cellular and synthetic libraries. The specificity and affinity of these molecules are comparable to those of parental antibodies. Fusion with marker proteins and other potent molecules improves their stability, circulation half-life, activity, and efficient purification. Besides, this review comprises construction protocols, therapeutics, and diagnostic applications of scFv, as well as related challenges. Nonetheless, there are still issues with efficacy, stability, safety, intracellular administration, and production costs that need to be addressed.

Traversed dynamics of climate change and One Health

Climate change, caused by both natural and human activities, poses significant threats to global health, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental disruptions. The One Health concept, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, is crucial in addressing these challenges. Climate change is linked to the emergence and resurgence of infectious diseases, resulting in substantial economic losses worldwide due to outbreaks, floods, and disrupted trade, among other factors. Therefore, it is crucial to adapt to this changing climate to safeguard One Health. By implementing a One Health approach, we can effectively address the consequences of climate change and make substantial contributions to health and food safety. This approach also holds the potential to mitigate economic losses, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Additionally, in the future, research interventions based on the One Health framework may offer sustainable solutions to combat climate change.

Traversed dynamics of climate change and One Health

Climate change, caused by both natural and human activities, poses significant threats to global health, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental disruptions. The One Health concept, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, is crucial in addressing these challenges. Climate change is linked to the emergence and resurgence of infectious diseases, resulting in substantial economic losses worldwide due to outbreaks, floods, and disrupted trade, among other factors. Therefore, it is crucial to adapt to this changing climate to safeguard One Health. By implementing a One Health approach, we can effectively address the consequences of climate change and make substantial contributions to health and food safety. This approach also holds the potential to mitigate economic losses, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Additionally, in the future, research interventions based on the One Health framework may offer sustainable solutions to combat climate change.

Vaccinia Virus: Mechanisms Supporting Immune Evasion and Successful Long-Term Protective Immunity

Vaccinia virus is the most successful vaccine in human history and functions as a protective vaccine against smallpox and monkeypox, highlighting the importance of ongoing research into vaccinia due to its genetic similarity to other emergent poxviruses. Moreover, vaccinia's ability to accommodate large genetic insertions makes it promising for vaccine development and potential therapeutic applications, such as oncolytic agents. Thus, understanding how superior immunity is generated by vaccinia is crucial for designing other effective and safe vaccine strategies. During vaccinia inoculation by scarification, the skin serves as a primary site for the virus-host interaction, with various cell types playing distinct roles. During this process, hematopoietic cells undergo abortive infections, while non-hematopoietic cells support the full viral life cycle. This differential permissiveness to viral replication influences subsequent innate and adaptive immune responses. Dendritic cells (DCs), key immune sentinels in peripheral tissues such as skin, are pivotal in generating T cell memory during vaccinia immunization. DCs residing in the skin capture viral antigens and migrate to the draining lymph nodes (dLN), where they undergo maturation and present processed antigens to T cells. Notably, CD8+ T cells are particularly significant in viral clearance and the establishment of long-term protective immunity. Here, we will discuss vaccinia virus, its continued relevance to public health, and viral strategies permissive to immune escape. We will also discuss key events and populations leading to long-term protective immunity and remaining key gaps.

Insights into the Transmission, Host Range, Genomics, Vaccination, and Current Epidemiology of the Monkeypox Virus

This review delves into the historical context, current epidemiological landscape, genomics, and pathobiology of monkeypox virus (MPXV). Furthermore, it elucidates the present vaccination status and strategies to curb the spread of monkeypox. Monkeypox, caused by the Orthopoxvirus known as MPXV, is a zoonotic ailment. MPXV can be transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face interactions. While many cases of monkeypox are self-limiting, vulnerable groups such as young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals may experience severe manifestations. Diagnosis predominantly relies on clinical presentations, complemented by laboratory techniques like RT-PCR. Although treatment is often not required, severe cases necessitate antiviral medications like tecovirimat, cidofovir, and brincidofovir. Vaccination, particularly using the smallpox vaccine, has proven instrumental in outbreak control, exhibiting an efficacy of at least 85% against mpox as evidenced by data from Africa. Mitigating transmission requires measures like wearing surgical masks, adequately covering skin lesions, and avoiding handling wild animals.

Can the Revolution in mRNA-Based Vaccine Technologies Solve the Intractable Health Issues of Current Ruminant Production Systems?

To achieve the World Health Organization's global Sustainable Development Goals, increased production of high-quality protein for human consumption is required while minimizing, ideally reducing, environmental impacts. One way to achieve these goals is to address losses within current livestock production systems. Infectious diseases are key limiters of edible protein production, affecting both quantity and quality. In addition, some of these diseases are zoonotic threats and potential contributors to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Vaccination has proven to be highly successful in controlling and even eliminating several livestock diseases of economic importance. However, many livestock diseases, both existing and emerging, have proven to be recalcitrant targets for conventional vaccination technologies. The threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented global investment in vaccine technologies to accelerate the development of safe and efficacious vaccines. While several vaccination platforms emerged as front runners to meet this challenge, the clear winner is mRNA-based vaccination. The challenge now is for livestock industries and relevant stakeholders to harness these rapid advances in vaccination to address key diseases affecting livestock production. This review examines the key features of mRNA vaccines, as this technology has the potential to control infectious diseases of importance to livestock production that have proven otherwise difficult to control using conventional approaches. This review focuses on the challenging diseases of ruminants due to their importance in global protein production. Overall, the current literature suggests that, while mRNA vaccines have the potential to address challenges in veterinary medicine, further developments are likely to be required for this promise to be realized for ruminant and other livestock species.

Tracing the journey of poxviruses: insights from history

The historical significance of the poxviruses is profound, largely due to the enduring impact left by smallpox virus across many centuries. The elimination of smallpox is a remarkable accomplishment in the history of science and medicine, with centuries of devoted efforts resulting in the development and widespread administration of smallpox vaccines. This review provides insight into the pivotal historical events involving medically significant poxviruses. Understanding the remarkable saga of combatting smallpox is crucial, serving as a guidepost for potential future encounters with poxvirus infections. There is a continual need for vigilant observation of poxvirus evolution and spillover from animals to humans, considering the expansive range of susceptible hosts. The recent occurrence of monkeypox cases in non-endemic countries stands as a stark reminder of the ease with which infections can be disseminated through international travel and trade. This backdrop encourages introspection about our journey and the current status of poxvirus research.

The Overview of Potential Antiviral Bioactive Compounds in Poxviruses

Poxviruses belong to the family of double-stranded DNA viruses, and it is pathogenic for humans and spread worldwide. These viruses cause infections and various diseases in human. So, it is required to develop new drugs for the treatment of smallpox or other poxvirus infections. Very few potential compounds for the treatment of poxvirus such as smallpox, chickenpox, and monkeypox have been reported. Most of the compounds has used as vaccines. Cidofovir is most commonly used as a vaccine for the treatment of poxviruses. There are no phytochemicals reported for the treatment of poxviruses. Very few phytochemicals are under investigation for the treatment of poxviruses.

Rizk J, Makkar D, Roozbeh N, Ghelichpour S, Zarei A. Managing Monkeypox Virus Infections: A Contemporary Review

Monkeypox is an infectious and contagious zoonotic disease caused by the Orthopoxvirus species and was first identified in Africa. Recently, this infectious disease has spread widely in many parts of the world. Fever, fatigue, headache, and rash are common symptoms of monkeypox. The presence of lymphadenopathy is another prominent and key symptom of monkeypox, which distinguishes this disease from other diseases and is useful for diagnosing the disease. This disease is transmitted to humans through contact with or eating infected animals as well as objects infected with the virus. One of the ways to diagnose this disease is through PCR testing of lesions and secretions. To prevent the disease, vaccines such as JYNNEOS and ACAM2000 are available, but they are not accessible to all people in the world, and their effectiveness and safety need further investigation. However, preventive measures such as avoiding contact with people infected with the virus and using appropriate personal protective equipment are mandatory. The disease therapy is based on medicines such as brincidofovir, cidofovir, and Vaccinia Immune Globulin Intravenous. The injectable format of tecovirimat was approved recently, in May 2022. Considering the importance of clinical care in this disease, awareness about the side effects of medicines, nutrition, care for conjunctivitis, skin rash, washing and bathing at home, and so on can be useful in controlling and managing the disease.

Benefits of Combining Molecular Biology and Controlled Human Infection Model Methodologies in Advancing Vaccine Development

Infectious diseases continue to account for a significant portion of global deaths despite the use of vaccines for several centuries. Immunization programs around the world are a testament to the great success of multiple vaccines, yet there are still diseases without vaccines and others that require safer more effective ones. Addressing uncontrolled and emerging disease threats is restrained by the limitations and bottlenecks encountered with traditional vaccine development paradigms. Recent advances in modern molecular biology technologies have enhanced the interrogation of host pathogen interaction and deciphered complex pathways, thereby uncovering the myriad interplay of biological events that generate immune protection against foreign agents. Consequent to insights into the immune system, modern biology has been instrumental in the development and production of next generation 21st century vaccines. As these biological tools, commonly and collectively referred to as 'omics, became readily available, there has been a renewed consideration of Controlled Human Infection Models (CHIMs). Successful and reproducible CHIMs can complement modern molecular biology for the study of infectious diseases and development of effective vaccines in a regulated process that mitigates risk, cost, and time, with capacity to discern immune correlates of protection.

A Glimpse into the Past: What Ancient Viral Genomes Reveal About Human History

Humans have battled viruses for millennia. However, directly linking the symptomatology of disease outbreaks to specific viral pathogens was not possible until the twentieth century. With the advent of the genomic era and the development of advanced protocols for isolation, sequencing, and analysis of ancient nucleic acids from diverse human remains, the identification and characterization of ancient viruses became feasible. Recent studies have provided invaluable information about past epidemics and made it possible to examine assumptions and inferences on the origin and evolution of certain viral families. In parallel, the study of ancient viruses also uncovered their importance in the evolution of the human lineage and their key roles in shaping major events in human history. In this review, we describe the strategies used for the study of ancient viruses, along with their limitations, and provide a detailed account of what past viral infections have revealed about human history.

A multiconsistent computational methodology to resolve a diffusive epidemiological system with effects of migration, vaccination and quarantine

BACKGROUND

We provide a compartmental model for the transmission of some contagious illnesses in a population. The model is based on partial differential equations, and takes into account seven sub-populations which are, concretely, susceptible, exposed, infected (asymptomatic or symptomatic), quarantined, recovered and vaccinated individuals along with migration. The goal is to propose and analyze an efficient computer method which resembles the dynamical properties of the epidemiological model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A non-local approach is utilized for finding approximate solutions for the mathematical model. To that end, a non-standard finite-difference technique is introduced. The finite-difference scheme is a linearly implicit model which may be rewritten using a suitable matrix. Under suitable circumstances, the matrices representing the methodology are M-matrices.

RESULTS

Analytically, the local asymptotic stability of the constant solutions is investigated and the next generation matrix technique is employed to calculate the reproduction number. Computationally, the dynamical consistency of the method and the numerical efficiency are investigated rigorously. The method is thoroughly examined for its convergence, stability, and consistency.

CONCLUSIONS

The theoretical analysis of the method shows that it is able to maintain the positivity of its solutions and identify equilibria. The method's local asymptotic stability properties are similar to those of the continuous system. The analysis concludes that the numerical model is convergent, stable and consistent, with linear order of convergence in the temporal domain and quadratic order of convergence in the spatial variables. A computer implementation is used to confirm the mathematical properties, and it confirms the ability in our scheme to preserve positivity, and identify equilibrium solutions and their local asymptotic stability.

Recent Advances in Superhydrophobic and Antibacterial Cellulose-Based Fibers and Fabrics: Bio-inspiration, Strategies, and Applications

Cellulose-based fabrics are ubiquitous in our daily lives. They are the preferred choice for bedding materials, active sportswear, and next-to-skin apparels. However, the hydrophilic and polysaccharide characteristics of cellulose materials make them vulnerable to bacterial attack and pathogen infection. The design of antibacterial cellulose fabrics has been a long-term and on-going effort. Fabrication strategies based on the construction of surface micro-/nanostructure, chemical modification, and the application of antibacterial agents have been extensively investigated by many research groups worldwide. This review systematically discusses recent research on super-hydrophobic and antibacterial cellulose fabrics, focusing on morphology construction and surface modification. First, natural surfaces showing liquid-repellent and antibacterial properties are introduced and the mechanisms behind are explained. Then, the strategies for fabricating super-hydrophobic cellulose fabrics are summarized, and the contribution of the liquid-repellent function to reducing the adhesion of live bacteria and removing dead bacteria is elucidated. Representative studies on cellulose fabrics functionalized with super-hydrophobic and antibacterial properties are discussed in detail, and their potential applications are also introduced. Finally, the challenges in achieving super-hydrophobic antibacterial cellulose fabrics are discussed, and the future research direction in this area is proposed.

Graphical Abstract

The figure summarizes the natural surfaces and the main fabrication strategies of superhydrophobic antibacterial cellulose fabrics and their potential applications.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42765-023-00297-1.

Overview of Diagnostic Methods, Disease Prevalence and Transmission of Mpox (Formerly Monkeypox) in Humans and Animal Reservoirs

Mpox-formerly monkeypox-is a re-emerging zoonotic virus disease, with large numbers of human cases reported during multi-country outbreaks in 2022. The close similarities in clinical symptoms that Mpox shares with many orthopoxvirus (OPXV) diseases make its diagnosis challenging, requiring laboratory testing for confirmation. This review focuses on the diagnostic methods used for Mpox detection in naturally infected humans and animal reservoirs, disease prevalence and transmission, clinical symptoms and signs, and currently known host ranges. Using specific search terms, up to 2 September 2022, we identified 104 relevant original research articles and case reports from NCBI-PubMed and Google Scholar databases for inclusion in the study. Our analyses observed that molecular identification techniques are overwhelmingly being used in current diagnoses, especially real-time PCR (3982/7059 cases; n = 41 studies) and conventional PCR (430/1830 cases; n = 30 studies) approaches being most-frequently-used to diagnose Mpox cases in humans. Additionally, detection of Mpox genomes, using qPCR and/or conventional PCR coupled to genome sequencing methods, offered both reliable detection and epidemiological analyses of evolving Mpox strains; identified the emergence and transmission of a novel clade 'hMPXV-1A' lineage B.1 during 2022 outbreaks globally. While a few current serologic assays, such as ELISA, reported on the detection of OPXV- and Mpox-specific IgG (891/2801 cases; n = 17 studies) and IgM antibodies (241/2688 cases; n = 11 studies), hemagglutination inhibition (HI) detected Mpox antibodies in human samples (88/430 cases; n = 6 studies), most other serologic and immunographic assays used were OPXV-specific. Interestingly, virus isolation (228/1259 cases; n = 24 studies), electron microscopy (216/1226 cases; n = 18 studies), and immunohistochemistry (28/40; n = 7 studies) remain useful methods of Mpox detection in humans in select instances using clinical and tissue samples. In animals, OPXV- and Mpox-DNA and antibodies were detected in various species of nonhuman primates, rodents, shrews, opossums, a dog, and a pig. With evolving transmission dynamics of Mpox, information on reliable and rapid detection methods and clinical symptoms of disease is critical for disease management.

Monkeypox virus: A review

While monkeypox was previously found in Africa, the bulk of occurrences in the present outbreak are being reported in many countries. It is not yet known how this outbreak began, and as the COVID-19 crisis begins to abate, numerous nations throughout the world are now contending with a novel outbreak. Monkeypox is a transmissible virus between animals and humans, belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. In the 1970s, cases of monkeypox began increasing due to the cessation of vaccination against smallpox, which drew international attention. The virus was named monkeypox because it was first observed in macaque monkeys. It is thought to be transmitted by several different rodents and small mammals, though the origin of the virus is not known. Monkeypox, while occasionally transmitted from one human to another, can be disseminated through the inhalation of droplets or through contact with the skin lesions of an infected individual. Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for monkeypox; however, supportive care can be offered to ameliorate its symptoms. In severe cases, medications like tecovirimat may be administered. However, there are no established guidelines for symptom management in monkeypox cases. In this article we have discussed about different aspects of monkeypox including viral structure, transmission, replication, clinical manifestations, vaccination, treatment and current prevalence in the world to understand it better and give insight to the future studies.

Cowpox Viruses: A Zoo Full of Viral Diversity and Lurking Threats

Cowpox viruses (CPXVs) exhibit the broadest known host range among the Poxviridae family and have caused lethal outbreaks in various zoo animals and pets across 12 Eurasian countries, as well as an increasing number of human cases. Herein, we review the history of how the cowpox name has evolved since the 1700s up to modern times. Despite early documentation of the different properties of CPXV isolates, only modern genetic analyses and phylogenies have revealed the existence of multiple Orthopoxvirus species that are currently constrained under the CPXV designation. We further chronicle modern outbreaks in zoos, domesticated animals, and humans, and describe animal models of experimental CPXV infections and how these can help shaping CPXV species distinctions. We also describe the pathogenesis of modern CPXV infections in animals and humans, the geographic range of CPXVs, and discuss CPXV-host interactions at the molecular level and their effects on pathogenicity and host range. Finally, we discuss the potential threat of these viruses and the future of CPXV research to provide a comprehensive review of CPXVs.

A New Role for Old Friends: Effects of Helminth Infections on Vaccine Efficacy

Vaccines are one of the most successful medical inventions to enable the eradication or control of common and fatal diseases. Environmental exposure of hosts, including helminth infections, plays an important role in immune responses to vaccines. Given that helminth infections are among the most common infectious diseases in the world, evaluating vaccine efficiency in helminth-infected populations may provide critical information for selecting optimal vaccination programs. Here, we reviewed the effects of helminth infections on vaccination and its underlying immunological mechanisms, based on findings from human studies and animal models. Moreover, the potential influence of helminth infections on SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was also discussed. Based on these findings, there is an urgent need for anthelmintic treatments to eliminate helminth suppressive impacts on vaccination effectiveness during implementing mass vaccination in parasite endemic areas.