MPOX TRACKER

McGill University’s DNA to RNA Initiative (D2R) and the McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity (MI4) have allocated $500,000 in funding for five pioneering research projects aimed at advancing mpox research and vaccine development. As mpox continues to circulate globally, infecting over 100,000 individuals across 116 countries, there is an urgent need to refine vaccine strategies and improve immune protection.

The selected projects focus on critical aspects of mpox biology, including identifying antigenic targets for vaccine development, understanding immune cell responses in the lungs, and optimizing mRNA vaccine platforms. Notably, researchers are also investigating whether existing smallpox vaccinations can enhance mpox immunity in aging and vulnerable populations. This work is being led by McGill scientists, including Professors Jörg Fritz, Leo Liu, Erwin Schurr, and Silvia Vidal, who are applying cutting-edge RNA-based approaches to improve vaccine efficacy.

Professor Fritz highlighted the importance of this funding in accelerating the identification of antigenic targets in circulating mpox variants, facilitating the development of next-generation vaccines in collaboration with local industry partners. Given the virus’s evolving nature and existing challenges in vaccine distribution, these projects aim to provide crucial data that will shape future public health strategies and improve global pandemic preparedness.

With the continued emergence of new mpox strains, McGill’s investment in RNA-based vaccines and novel therapeutic approaches reinforces Canada’s leadership in infectious disease research. By integrating expertise in immunology, virology, and vaccine development, this initiative underscores the importance of proactive research in mitigating future outbreaks. The findings from these projects will not only enhance mpox control but also contribute to broader advancements in poxvirus research and pandemic response strategies.