Mpox has gained attention due to sporadic outbreaks in various regions in recent years. In this interesting paper from 2024, ELISpot assays revealed robust immune responses, even in individuals with HIV, providing insights into immunity and resilience of the disease.
In this study, orthopoxvirus-specific T-cell responses were analyzed in 10 individuals who had recovered from Mpox, including seven people living with HIV (PWH).
Mpox can cause blisters
The use of ELISpot was instrumental in detecting virus-specific T-cell responses in eight participants, even in those with compromised immune systems, such as a PWH not on antiretroviral therapy and another on immunosuppressive therapy. ELISpot helped identify robust polyfunctional CD4+ T-cell responses to specific vaccinia virus (VACV) peptides, highlighting the immune resilience in these patients.
Additionally, T-cells from four of five HLA-A2-positive individuals targeted known VACV epitopes, further enhancing the understanding of immunity in convalescent Mpox patients.
Mabtech products used in this study