A secreted viral FcgR-binding protein contributes to immune evasion by cowpox virus

Cowpox virus (CPXV) is a member of the genus Orthopoxviridae (OPXV), which have been evolving alongside the mammalian immune system for millennia. CPXV possesses the largest genome and number of potentially immune-modulating proteins amongst the OPXV. Our laboratory began studying CPXV immune evasion molecules in the hope that it would reveal new mechanisms for immune evasion and control. These studies intended to potentially identify new therapeutics for the treatment of T cell-mediated diseases such as multiple sclerosis.