Research unveils the mechanism by which Mpox virus enters brain cells

A study suggests that Mpox (Monkeypox) virus could be invading cells crucial for normal brain function, leading to neurological symptoms in infected individuals. This virus spreads primarily through close physical contact and induces a disease with symptoms resembling those of smallpox, albeit milder in intensity.

In newly published research in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers from the University of Alberta found mpox virus infiltrated the astrocytes -- a type of cell responsible for normal brain function -- triggering an extreme immune response.

"Astrocytes are the most abundant neural cells in the brain," said first author Hajar Miranzadeh Mahabadi, a postdoctoral fellow in medicine from the varsity. "We found that monkeypox virus can efficiently infect these cells and can induce a kind of brain cell death we call pyroptosis."

In May 2022, a significant outbreak of the virus occurred, reaching over 100 countries and resulting in more than 86,900 infections globally. Between January 1, 2022, and November 30, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) received reports of 92,783 laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox, including 171 deaths, from 116 countries.

The virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact, sexual contact, or respiratory droplets, primarily impacting men who engage in intercourse with other men in this outbreak. While typical symptoms include rash, fever, and muscle pain, neurological signs like headache, confusion, and seizures are becoming more prevalent, indicating possible brain tissue inflammation.

"The extent of monkeypox virus cases, particularly those associated with neurological complications, highlighted the urgent need to understand the potential effect of monkeypox virus in the central nervous system," Mahabadi said, noting this is the first study to examine brain cells exposed to mpox virus.

The research team identified a potential treatment avenue by demonstrating the reduction of cell death in mpox virus-infected cells through treatment with dimethyl fumarate, a compound approved for psoriasis in Europe and for multiple sclerosis in the United States and Canada. Additionally, the researchers noted the existence of two approved antiviral treatments for mpox disease, along with a vaccine to prevent the disease in vulnerable populations.

The team intends to continue investigating mpox and its effects on the brain, particularly exploring why individuals with HIV experience more severe symptoms and a higher mortality rate from mpox disease.

Reference: https://ianslive.in/study-decodes-how-mpox-virus-infiltrates-brain-cells--20240217124505