LC16m8 smallpox vaccine

LC16m8 is a third-generation, live-attenuated smallpox vaccine developed in Japan. It was derived from the Lister strain of the vaccinia virus through multiple passages in primary rabbit kidney cells at low temperatures. The attenuation of the LC16m8 strain is primarily attributed to a frameshift mutation in the B5R gene, which encodes a viral envelope protein necessary for efficient cell-to-cell spread and extracellular enveloped virus (EEV) formation. This mutation significantly reduces neurovirulence compared to first-generation vaccines like Dryvax, while maintaining robust immunogenicity. LC16m8 was licensed in Japan in 1975 for smallpox and received an expanded indication for mpox (monkeypox) in August 2022. It is administered percutaneously via multiple puncture using a bifurcated needle.

Brand names

LC16m8LC-16m8LC 16m8

Other names

LC16 smallpox vaccineLC-16 smallpox vaccineLC 16 smallpox vaccineattenuated vaccinia virus LC16m8cell culture-adapted smallpox vaccineLC16m8 strainLC-16m8 strainLC 16m8 strain