MPXV M1R

Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe. With the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and subsequent cessation of smallpox vaccination, monkeypox has emerged as the most important orthopoxvirus for public health. Monkeypox primarily occurs in central and west Africa, often in proximity to tropical rainforests, and has been increasingly appearing in urban areas. Animal hosts include a range of rodents and non-human primates. M1R is homologous to vaccinia virus L1 protein and is a transmembrane protein found on the surface of mature IMV particles. Encoded by the L1R ORF, it is highly conserved and is involved in virion assembly and plays an important role in virus entry and maturation. L1 is required for the induction of low PH-triggered cell-cell fusion and is essential for vaccinia virus replication.