To investigate the role of human seminal fluid and its fibrils in enhancing mpox virus infection in primary human cells.
Approach:
Experimental Design: Researchers tested seminal fluid from 6 healthy donors in primary human fibroblasts and keratinocytes, examining the effects of seminal fluid concentrations on mpox virus infection.
Fibril Analysis: The study focused on two semen-derived amyloid fibrils, SEVI and SEM, assessing their impact on mpox infection across various cell types and viral clades.
Key Findings:
Seminal fluid increased the number of mpox-positive cells in fibroblasts and keratinocytes.
At 50% and 10% seminal fluid concentrations, infection rates increased 2.2- to 4.1-fold in fibroblasts and keratinocytes.
Both SEVI and SEM enhanced mpox infection in a dose-dependent manner.
SEVI increased infection rates across multiple mpox clades and other viruses like cowpox and camelpox.
Fibril formation was necessary for the enhancement of infection, as non-fibrillar peptides did not increase infection.
Interpretation:
The study indicates that seminal fluid may enhance viral transmission and infection efficiency.
Limitations:
The study was limited to cell-based and ex vivo models.
It did not establish the effect of seminal fluid on person-to-person transmission.
The complexity of semen and its other components was not fully addressed.
Conclusion:
In vivo studies are needed to further understand the implications of seminal fluid on mpox transmission and infection.
