Vaccinia Virus (Poxviridae)

Vaccinia virus (VACV) is the most comprehensively studied member of the family Poxviridae, serving as the prototype for this large group of complex dsDNA viruses that include many human or veterinary pathogens. Genetically and antigenically closely related to variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox, VACV has been an effective smallpox vaccine and is largely responsible for the eradication of the disease. Today, VACV is employed as a versatile vector for developing vaccines against other infectious diseases and cancer, and studies of VACV continue to provide novel understanding of viral replication, viral pathogenesis, and host immunity.