T cell memory response to MPXV infection exhibits greater effector function and migratory potential compared to MVA-BN vaccination

Journal article

In 2022, a global mpox outbreak occurred, and remains a concern today. The T cell memory response to MPXV (monkeypox virus) infection has not been fully investigated. In this study, we evaluate this response in convalescent and MVA-BN (Modified Vaccinia Ankara - Bavarian Nordic) vaccinated individuals using VACV-infected cells. Strong CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses are observed, and T cell responses are biased towards viral early expressed proteins. We identify seven immunodominant HLA-A*02:01 restricted MPXV-specific epitopes and focus our detailed phenotypic and scRNAseq analysis on the immunodominant HLA-A*02:01-G5R18-26-specific CD8+ T cell response. While tetramer+CD8+ T cells share similar differentiation and activation phenotypes, T cells from convalescent individuals show greater cytotoxicity, migratory potential to site of infection and TCR clonal expansion. Our data suggest that effective functional profiles of MPXV-specific memory T cells induced by Mpox infection may have an implication on the long-term protective responses to future infection.

Authors: Chen, J; Wang, B; Lu, Y; Antoun, E; Bird, O

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Nature Research
• Journal: Nature Communications
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 1
• Article number: 4362
• Publication date: 2025-05-10
• Acceptance date: 2025-04-22
• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59370-5
• EISSN: 2041-1723
• Language: English