Infection of cynomolgus macaques with a recombinant monkeypox virus encoding green fluorescent protein

Arch Virol. 2011 Oct;156(10):1877-81. doi: 10.1007/s00705-011-1065-1. Epub 2011 Aug 4.

Abstract

Monkeypox virus (MPXV) causes a vesiculopustular rash illness resembling smallpox in humans and produces a similar disease in nonhuman primates. To enhance the ability of researchers to study experimental MPXV infections, we inserted a gene encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) into Monkeypox virus Zaire-79. Wild-type and MPXV-GFP replicated with similar kinetics in cell culture and caused a similar disease when injected intravenously into cynomolgus macaques. In MPXV-GFP-infected animals, examination under fluorescent light facilitated the identification of skin lesions during disease development and internal sites of replication at necropsy. MPXV-GFP could improve the quantitative assessment of antiviral therapy and vaccine efficacy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Macaca fascicularis*
  • Monkeypox virus / genetics
  • Monkeypox virus / physiology*
  • Mpox (monkeypox) / virology
  • Smallpox / virology*

Substances

  • Green Fluorescent Proteins