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Review
. 2025 Jun 14;22(1):195.
doi: 10.1186/s12985-025-02822-7.

Monkeypox virus and type 1 diabetes: a molecular insight into inflammatory signaling and β-cell autoimmunity

Yahya A Almutawif  1 , Haydar M Al-Kuraishy  2 , Ali I Al-Gareeb  3 , Ali K Albuhadily  2 , Hamza M A Eid  1 , Athanasios Alexiou  4   5 , Marios Papadakis  6 , Mohammed E Abo-El Fetoh  7 , Gaber El-Saber Batiha  8
Affiliations
Review

Monkeypox virus and type 1 diabetes: a molecular insight into inflammatory signaling and β-cell autoimmunity

Yahya A Almutawif et al. Virol J. .

Abstract

The current worldwide pandemic of monkeypox (MPXV) elicited apprehensions over its possible long-term health ramifications. Recent data indicate a potential association between MPXV infection and the onset of autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes (T1D). This article analyzes the possible methods for MPXV infection to induce autoimmune responses and damage pancreatic β-cells. We examine from published articles the possible MPXV-induced immune dysregulation and inflammation in the development of T1D. Utilizing insights from other diabetogenic viruses, such as enterovirus and SARS-CoV-2. Currently, the association between MPXV and the development of T1D is scarce. Therefore, additional studies are essential for establishing a conclusive causal link between MPXV and T1D.

Keywords: Autoimmunity; COVID-19; Cytokines; Diabetogenic viruses; Immune dysregulation; Inflammation; Monkeypox; Pancreatic β-cells; Type 1 diabetes; Viral infections.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethics approval and consent to participate: Not applicable. Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Clinical trial: Not applicable.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Viral structure of MPXV
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The pathophysiology of MPXV
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Fig. 3
Pathogenesis of T1D
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Fig. 4
Viral infections and the development of T1D
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Key signaling pathways in MPXV infection
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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