Vaccinia virus antigens (VACV antigens)

Vaccinia virus (VACV) antigens are a collection of viral proteins that serve as the primary targets for the host immune system during infection or vaccination (Kennedy et al., 2009, PubMed: 19158244). These antigens are derived from both the intracellular mature virus (IMV) and the extracellular enveloped virus (EEV) forms of the pathogen, ensuring a comprehensive immune response (Parrino et al., 2007, PubMed: 17691928). Key proteins such as L1, A27, B5, and A33 are critical for viral attachment, fusion, and cell-to-cell spread, making them vital targets for neutralizing antibodies (He et al., 2007, Journal of Virology). Vaccination with these antigens induces long-lasting humoral and cellular immunity, which provides cross-protection against other orthopoxviruses, including Variola virus (smallpox) and Mpox virus (CDC, 2022). Beyond smallpox prevention, modified vaccinia strains like Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) are extensively used as viral vectors in recombinant vaccines to deliver antigens from other pathogens or tumors to the host immune system (UniProt, 2024). This multi-antigenic recognition is essential for the efficacy of live-virus vaccines and the development of next-generation poxvirus-based therapeutics.

Other names

Vaccinia virus proteinsVACV immunogensPoxvirus antigensHost immune response to vacciniaModified Vaccinia Ankara antigens

Induction of neutralizing antibodies and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses against multiple structural and non-structural viral proteins to prevent infection and viral spread (Kennedy et al., 2009).