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Abstract
The molluscum contagiosum (MC) virus (MCV) is a dermatotropic poxvirus, and the causative agent of MC. Unlike smallpox and human monkeypox diseases, MC is nonlethal, common and worldwide. Additionally, little inflammation is associated with MC papules, and MC can persist for months to years. Such a prolonged infection implies that MCV successfully manipulates the host environment. This review highlights recent findings that reveal how MCV infections manipulate localized host immune responses and which immune response are key for the eventual resolution of MC. Also highlighted here are the MCV proteins that inhibit apoptosis, inflammation and immune cell recruitment or that induce cellular proliferation, with discussion as to how these proteins dampen localized antiviral immune responses. Lastly, this review discusses how the immune evasion tactics of MCV have led to insights about specific functions of the human innate and adaptive immune responses.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.