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

Author

Listed:
  • Ji-Li Chen

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

  • Beibei Wang

    (University of Oxford)

  • Yongxu Lu

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

  • Elie Antoun

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

  • Olivia Bird

    (Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)

  • Philip G. Drennan

    (Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    University of Oxford)

  • Zixi Yin

    (University of Oxford)

  • Guihai Liu

    (University of Oxford)

  • Xuan Yao

    (University of Oxford)

  • Maya Pidoux

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

  • Adam Bates

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

  • Deshni Jayathilaka

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

  • Junyuan Wang

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

  • Brian Angus

    (University of Oxford)

  • Sally Beer

    (Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)

  • Alexis Espinosa

    (Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)

  • J. Kenneth Baillie

    (University of Edinburgh
    Easter Bush
    Western General Hospital
    Royal Infirmary Edinburgh)

  • Malcolm G. Semple

    (University of Liverpool)

  • Timothy Rostron

    (University of Oxford)

  • Craig Waugh

    (University of Oxford)

  • Paul Sopp

    (University of Oxford)

  • Julian C. Knight

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

  • James N. Fullerton

    (Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
    University of Oxford)

  • Mark Coles

    (University of Oxford)

  • Geoffrey L. Smith

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

  • Alexander J. Mentzer

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

  • Yanchun Peng

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

  • Tao Dong

    (University of Oxford
    University of Oxford)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Ji-Li Chen & Beibei Wang & Yongxu Lu & Elie Antoun & Olivia Bird & Philip G. Drennan & Zixi Yin & Guihai Liu & Xuan Yao & Maya Pidoux & Adam Bates & Deshni Jayathilaka & Junyuan Wang & Brian Angus & S, 2025. "T cell memory response to MPXV infection exhibits greater effector function and migratory potential compared to MVA-BN vaccination," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-59370-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-59370-5
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