scRNAseq of HLA-A*02:01-G5R18-26-specifi CD8+ T cells

In 2022, a global mpox outbreak occurred, and remains a concern today. The T cell memory response to MPXV infection has not been fully investigated. In this study, we evaluated this response in convalescent and MVA-BN vaccinated individuals using VACV-infected cells. Detailed phenotypic and scRNAseq analysis was focused on the immunodominant HLA-A*02:01-G5R18-26-specific CD8+ T cell response. T cells from convalescent individuals showed greater cytotoxicity, migratory potential to site of infection and TCR clonal expansion. Our study suggests a better functional profile of MPXV-specific memory T cells induced by natural infection, which may have an implication on the long-term protective responses to future infection.