Indian biologists have for the first time discovered mutations in the mpox (monkeypox) virus genome related to the mechanism of evading the immune response to enter human cells. During the study, specialists examined genetic changes in 40 clinical samples collected from European, Asian, and African countries. The analysis revealed mutations in three key genes.

"Phylogenetic analysis of the mutations was performed on the genes encoding proteins that enable immune evasion: OPG002, OPG176, and OPG210. A computer analysis system identified important functional domains within them associated with immune modulation. This provides insight into the evolution of the mpox virus and highlights the need to monitor its mutations and the emergence of new variants. However, larger genomic datasets are required to confirm these findings," the scientific article states.

The discovered genetic changes could potentially increase the pathogen's transmissibility, although in such cases, the infection often tends to result in a milder form of the disease.