Search Results (1,456)

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains one of the main causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), even though vaccination and long-term viral suppression have reduced new infections and circulating viral replication. This residual cancer risk suggests that serum HBV DNA alone does not capture the full biology of HBV-related carcinogenesis. Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is a relevant entry point because it maintains the transcriptional competence of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), engages host chromatin regulators, and may persist in tumors as cccDNA-derived, integration-derived, full-length, truncated, or fusion forms. This review focuses on a specific question: does the available literature support HBx-associated reactivation of the IGF2 locus in chronic HBV infection and HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis, and, if so, at which regulatory layer is the claim defensible? The most direct evidence remains promoter-proximal. Classic mechanistic work shows acute HBx-dependent activation of IGF2 promoter P4 through Sp1- and PKC/ERK-dependent signaling. Human tissue and cell-based studies also support a broader fetal-promoter compartment, including P3/P4 transcript enrichment, local promoter hypomethylation, MBD2-HBx-CBP/p300 recruitment, and increased histone H3/H4 acetylation. These observations do not, however, establish HBV exclusivity, uniform loss of imprinting, or direct HBx-mediated rewiring of the human IGF2/H19 topological domain. Recent integration-aware and long-read studies further argue against treating tumor-stage HBx as a single biological variable. In the present evidence framework, HBx-associated IGF2 locus reactivation is therefore more appropriately viewed as a stage-aware, promoter-resolved, biomarker-oriented hypothesis than as a universal mechanism or a treatment algorithm for HBV-related HCC. Full article

Food allergy is an increasingly prevalent global health condition characterized by immune-mediated reactions to dietary antigens and a substantial clinical burden. Growing understanding of IgE-mediated mechanisms has highlighted the central role of type 2 inflammation, effector-cell activation, and impaired immune regulation. These advances have prompted the development of disease-modifying therapies beyond allergen avoidance. This narrative review summarizes recent advances in the therapeutic management of IgE-mediated food allergy. A structured PubMed search was performed to identify clinical trials, randomized studies, and meta-analyses published within the last five years. Both allergen-specific and non-allergen-specific interventions were evaluated. Current evidence supports oral immunotherapy as the most effective strategy for increasing reaction thresholds and inducing desensitization in peanut, milk, and egg allergies. However, safety concerns remain, and sustained unresponsiveness after treatment discontinuation is achieved inconsistently. Sublingual and epicutaneous immunotherapy show improved safety but lower efficacy. Modified allergen approaches, including baked milk and processed peanut products, may improve tolerability and facilitate immune modulation in selected patients. Biologic therapies, particularly anti-IgE agents, demonstrate efficacy both alone and when combined with immunotherapy. Emerging approaches include peptide vaccines, DNA immunization, microbiome-targeted interventions, and early dietary modulation. These strategies may improve durable immune tolerance through personalized, mechanism-based therapeutic approaches. Future progress will depend on optimizing safety, identifying predictive biomarkers, and integrating multimodal approaches to achieve durable immune tolerance. Full article

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remains the principal etiological factor in cervical cancer development worldwide, with Eastern Europe continuing to demonstrate disproportionately high cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates. Regional disparities in screening implementation, vaccination coverage, and HPV genotype distribution contribute substantially to the persistent burden of HPV-related disease. In recent years, increasing attention has focused on molecular biomarkers and the vaginal microbiome as complementary approaches for improving cervical cancer prevention strategies. This systematic review aimed to evaluate recent evidence regarding HPV genotype distribution, molecular biomarkers, vaginal microbiome composition, and their implications for cervical cancer prevention in Eastern Europe. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between January 2020 and May 2026. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261391136). Studies from Eastern European populations reporting data on HPV genotype distribution, screening strategies, vaccination, molecular biomarkers, or vaginal microbiome composition were included. HPV prevalence in screening populations ranged from approximately 12% to over 20%, with HPV16 consistently identified as the predominant genotype across all included studies. However, non-16/18 high-risk genotypes, particularly HPV31, HPV51, HPV52, HPV66, and HPV68, represented a substantial proportion of infections in several Eastern European cohorts. Studies evaluating CINtec PLUS cytology and HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing demonstrated improved specificity for identifying clinically significant cervical lesions compared with HPV DNA testing alone. Emerging evidence also suggested associations between vaginal dysbiosis, increased microbial diversity, persistent high-risk HPV infection, and progression to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Although the 9-valent HPV vaccine provides coverage for most circulating high-risk genotypes identified in the region, vaccination uptake remains inconsistent throughout Eastern Europe. The findings of this systematic review support the growing importance of extended HPV genotyping, molecular biomarkers, and microbiome-related approaches in cervical cancer prevention strategies in Eastern Europe. Strengthening organized screening programs, expanding vaccination coverage, and improving access to molecular diagnostic technologies remain essential priorities for reducing the regional burden of HPV-related disease. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cervical cancer is mainly driven by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), particularly HPV16 and HPV18. Despite advances in cytology, HPV-DNA testing and vaccination, challenges remain in the triage of HPV-positive individuals, prognostic stratification and prediction of treatment response. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, together with host genetic factors influencing ncRNA expression and emerging lncRNA-encoded peptides, are increasingly recognized as regulators of HPV-associated carcinogenesis. This review summarizes their biological and potential clinical relevance. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus. Eligible studies included experimental, clinical, observational, genomic and translational investigations on ncRNA dysregulation, circulating or exosomal ncRNAs, treatment-response signatures, host genetic variation and lncRNA-encoded peptides in HPV-associated cervical precancer and cancer. Results: HPV oncoproteins can reshape host ncRNA networks through transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms. Several miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs are involved in cell-cycle control, apoptosis, senescence, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, immune regulation, DNA repair and treatment resistance. Circulating, exosomal and urinary ncRNA signatures have shown diagnostic or prognostic potential in exploratory cohorts. Specific lncRNAs, including ENSG00000267838/lnc-LENG9-5 and lncRNA-EME1, have been associated with chemoradiotherapy response and radioresistance. The lncRNA-encoded peptide TUBORF represents a novel preclinical therapeutic candidate, while genetic variation may further modulate lncRNA function in HPV-related cervical cancer. Conclusions: ncRNAs are promising candidates for risk stratification, non-invasive diagnosis, treatment-response prediction and therapeutic development in HPV-associated cervical disease. However, evidence remains exploratory, requiring prospective multicentre validation and standardized workflows before clinical implementation. Full article

Background/Objectives: COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can lead to widespread neurological and cognitive complications, even in the absence of significant structural brain abnormalities. Understanding the evolving health concerns in the context of viral infections is critical to service member readiness, fitness, and mission completion. The potential neuroprotective effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination remain underexplored. Methods: Using a cross-sectional, non-human primate model (female cynomolgus macaques), we employed magnetoencephalography (MEG) to assess resting-state brain activity following vaccination with escalating doses of a novel psoralen-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (PsIV) or a combination of PsIV and a DNA vaccine (prime boost), and subsequent challenge with the Delta variant (SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2). MEG scans were acquired 41 days after inoculation. Source series were constructed for 42 regions of interest for each subject, and band power was computed. Results: Band power demonstrated substantial preservation of neural activity across multiple brain regions in vaccinated subjects compared to unvaccinated controls following viral challenge. Significantly lower power was observed across the brain at all bandwidths in the unvaccinated group relative to the prime boost group. As PsIV concentration increased, spectral power increased, with the prime boost group having the greatest power. Conclusions: This approach not only underscores the role of vaccination in mitigating neuropathology but also highlights the capability of MEG to detect subtle yet significant changes in brain function that may be overlooked by other imaging modalities. These findings advance our understanding of vaccine-induced neuroprotection and establish MEG as a powerful tool for monitoring brain function in the context of viral infections. Full article

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly fatal, febrile infectious disease of domestic pigs and wild boars caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). Recently, highly virulent recombinant ASFVs with chimeric genomes derived from p72 genotype I and II viruses have emerged in China, Vietnam, and Russia. These genotype I/II recombinants can evade immunity induced by genotype II–based vaccines, thereby complicating disease control efforts. To address this challenge, a novel duplex quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was developed to simultaneously detect and differentiate genotypes I, II, and I/II recombinants in a single reaction. The assay exhibited high sensitivity and specificity, with a reliable detection limit of 10 copies/reaction for genotype I and II ASFV DNA. Validation using clinical samples collected in northern Vietnam in 2025 confirmed a robust performance in accurately distinguishing circulating genotype II viruses from recombinant genotype I/II viruses, including the detection of potential co-infection. Whole-genome sequencing of selected positive samples further corroborated these findings. Overall, this qPCR assay provides a precise and efficient tool for identifying currently circulating ASFV genotypes, thereby facilitating improved disease surveillance and supporting a comprehensive understanding of the evolving epidemiological landscape of ASF in regions with increasing viral genetic diversity. Full article

Hantaviruses (HTVs) are lethal zoonotic pathogens responsible for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and HTV cardiopulmonary syndrome; however, no specific antiviral treatments or vaccines have been approved. Bee products, such as propolis, honey, royal jelly, bee venom, and bee pollen, demonstrate extensive antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties against various RNA and DNA viruses. No published research has directly evaluated bee products in relation to HTV infection. This review proposes a hypothesis-driven mechanistic framework suggesting that bioactive compounds from bee products may concurrently inhibit HTV replication, alleviate the cytokine storm, diminish oxidative stress, and maintain endothelial barrier integrity. We explicitly recognize the lack of direct experimental evidence regarding bee products’ efficacy against HTVs. Considering the mechanistic similarities with other enveloped viral infections and the recognized functions of NF-κB, Nrf2, and endothelial signaling pathways in HTV pathogenesis, we present a scientifically substantiated rationale for forthcoming research endeavors. The diverse bioactive compounds present in bee products including bee pollen, bee venom, honey, propolis, and royal jelly could provide a multifaceted strategy for inhibiting HTV pathology. We propose systematic in vitro, in silico, and in vivo investigations to assess the potential of bee-derived flavonoids, peptides, and fatty acids as adjunctive therapeutic strategies for HTV disease. Full article

Background: Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection causes over 99% of cervical precancers and cancers worldwide, with HPV genotype 16 (HPV16) responsible for 50% of the cases. Latvia ranks among the top EU countries for cervical cancer incidence and mortality. In the general Latvian population, 4.2% of women are hrHPV-infected, mostly with HPV16. However, information on the circulating HPV16 isolates is missing. Objectives: To study the genomic variability of the Latvian HPV16 isolates, compare them with HPV16 in Europe and across the globe, reveal features associated with the severity of cervical disease and uncover eventual sequence changes due to the national HPV vaccination. Methods: DNA was extracted from the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cervical tissues of women diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) stages I-III and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) grades 1–3, collected between 2012 and 2024. Samples positive for HPV16 were subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS) on the Illumina platform (n = 16) or Sanger sequencing of the E6/E7 coding region (n = 31). A consensus HPV16 sequence was generated, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and eventual amino acid substitutions (AAS) were analysed. Results: Complete genomes of 16 HPV16 variants were reconstructed, with 13 related to the European sublineage A1 and 3 to the sublineage A2 references. Sequences showed high conservation; still 93 non-redundant variants were identified. The highest variability was observed for the capsid protein L2, and the lowest, for oncoprotein E7. The prevalence of SNPs and AAS in the Latvian HPV16 variants, specifically in capsid protein L1, did not increase with time, showing no effect of HPV vaccination. Associations between HPV16 sequence features and severity of cervical disease were limited to AAS E6:L90V, which was significantly more common in SCC grade 2/3 than in CINII/III cases (p = 0.015). Conclusions: Highly conserved HPV16 genomes circulating in Latvia harbour a series of unique as well as common nonsynonymous SNPs with respective AAS, with one, AAS E6:L90V, associating with disease severity. No HPV vaccine escape variants were detected. Deciphering complete genomes of HPV16 from CIN and SCC cases in Latvia informs public authorities performing HPV vaccination and is useful for the management of HPV-associated cervical diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: African Swine Fever (ASF) represents one of the most serious threats to animal health and global food security. The causative agent of ASF is the African swine fever virus (ASFV), a DNA virus belonging to the Asfarviridae family. Here, we describe ex vivo results for an original anti-ASFV vaccine approach based on the cellular immune response induced by extracellular vesicles (EVs) engineered to express four ASFV proteins. EV engineering was achieved by expressing a DNA vector encoding a biologically inactive HIV-1 Nef protein (Nef^mut), which exhibits unusually high efficiency of incorporation into EVs, even when fused to foreign proteins. Previous studies have demonstrated that intramuscular injection of Nef^mut-based vectors leads to the engineering of Evs, spontaneously released by muscle cells, and induction of antigen-specific CD8⁺ T cell immunity. Methods: We designed DNA vectors expressing the fusion products between Nef^mut and each of the four ASFV structural proteins p30, p54, pp62, and p72. Engineered EVs were molecularly characterized by Western blot and nanotrack analysis, and their potential immunogenicity was assessed by priming and cross-presentation assays. Results: We assessed that the four fusion proteins were successfully expressed in transfected mammalian cells, with the release of valuable amounts of engineered EVs. When immature swine dendritic cells were challenged with the engineered EVs and then co-cultivated with autologous peripheral blood lymphocytes in priming assays, lymphocyte subpopulations specifically reacting against each ASFV antigen were elicited, as detected by an IFN-γ ELISpot assay. In addition, we provide evidence that the Nef^mut-based fusion products incorporated into the engineered EVs can be cross-presented by professional antigen-presenting cells, leading to cross-priming of autologous lymphocytes. Conclusions: These results represent the best premise to go forward with experiments examining immunogenicity and antiviral efficiency in pigs. Full article

Background: Adenovirus-vectored vaccines played an important role in the global response to SARS-CoV-2. Adenovirus platforms have many advantages including a simple and readily transferred manufacturing process, low cost, and thermostability. Speed of production of an initial Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant batch has, however, been viewed as a limitation of adenovirus vectors relative to mRNA platforms. Production of the initial viral starting material and release testing are key rate-limiting steps. Methods: Production of viral starting material from DNA, and release testing in accordance with regulatory expectations, for first-in-human trials of adenovirus-vectored vaccines. Results: We describe experience of these stages in the production of the first GMP batches for multiple adenovirus-vectored candidates and the adaptations made for ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine) in early 2020. We also report development of a streamlined approach to starting material generation, enabling initial GMP batch availability within c. 60 days of publication of a new pathogen sequence. Using a New World arenavirus vaccine construct as a proof of concept, we demonstrate reproducible execution of this pipeline, maintaining acceptable infectivity and other quality attributes. Conclusions: We discuss opportunities for additional time savings in the future. This work demonstrates suitability of an adenovirus platform to contribute to the “100 Days Mission” for vaccines against “Disease X”. Full article

Pancreas disease (PD), caused by Salmonid alphavirus (SAV), is a notifiable disease in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in Norway. Conventional inactivated virus vaccines have shown variable effects in mitigating the disease, and a DNA vaccine has been used over the last 7–8 years, which may have resulted in the reduction in the number of reported PD cases. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of DNA vaccination in farmed fish, with a focus on the licensed DNA vaccine, Clynav^®, against SAV3 infection. It explores the biological underpinnings of SAV infection, immune mechanisms activated by DNA vaccines, and the benefits and limitations of this approach. Although antigen processing and presentation mechanisms following DNA vaccination in fish remain incomplete, studies document robust innate responses and measurable adaptive immunity, including neutralizing antibodies, as seen in Clynav, and transcriptomic studies indicate that cell-mediated immunity is evoked under experimental conditions. Comparative trials demonstrate that DNA vaccination reduces viral load, tissue pathology, and, potentially, viral transmission, outperforming traditional oil-adjuvanted vaccines. Additionally, DNA-vaccinated fish show improved growth performance under field conditions. These findings support DNA vaccination as a promising strategy for controlling PD in salmon aquaculture, with implications for fish health, welfare, and sustainable production. Full article

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most complex and aggressive disease with the worst rates of unresectable or metastatic disease at diagnosis, resistance to systemic therapy, and case fatality rate (CFR) among leading cancers. In non-metastatic disease, neoadjuvant treatment with modern chemotherapeutic regimens followed by surgical resection and/or adjuvant mFOLFIRINOX has significantly improved oncological outcomes. However, recurrence rates remain alarmingly high, while immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) or molecularly targeted therapy have not yet demonstrated clinical benefits. Comprehensive genomic profiling through NGS-based approved assays such as TruSight Oncology 500 (TSO500) could guide targeted therapy. Rapidly evolving mRNA cancer vaccines and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based prediction of minimal residual disease (MRD) and recurrence risk hold great promise towards the realization of rational combination therapy to improve recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). More recently, single-cell multiomics (SC MO), spatial proteomics and transcriptomics (SPT), artificial intelligence (AI), and systems biology have revolutionized cancer research, enabling holistic tumor microenvironment (TME) analysis. In this comprehensive review, we describe the latest advances and unmet needs in the standard of care of PDAC. Moreover, we discuss the expectations of ongoing randomized clinical trials of adjuvant mRNA vaccine-based therapy and ctDNA MRD testing as prognostic biomarkers, towards personalized treatment to improve RFS and OS in a medium-term perspective. With a longer perspective, we explore how harnessing SC MO, SPT, AI, and systems biology can reveal the 3D spatial organization of interacting cancer, immune, and stromal cells. Multi-dimensional TME-, TSO500- and ctDNA-based framework of dynamic biomarkers are of paramount importance to achieve an optimal patient-specific perioperative multimodal treatment combining precision immunotherapy, targeted drugs, and modern chemotherapy, translated into future practice-changing clinical trials, that could eliminate MRD towards recurrence prevention. Full article

The hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV), and D (HDV) viruses remain a major public health burden. Occult HBV infection (OBI) represents a hidden reservoir with clinical and epidemiological significance, yet its prevalence in Northwest Russia is unknown. We aimed to comprehensively assess the serological and molecular epidemiology of HBV, HCV, and HDV in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 6773 apparently healthy volunteers were enrolled. Plasma samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibodies to HBV core antigen (anti-HBc), antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs), antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV), and antibodies to HDV (anti-HDV) by ELISA. All anti-HCV- and anti-HDV-positive samples were tested for HCV RNA and HDV RNA by real-time PCR. All samples were tested for HBV DNA using a highly sensitive in-house nested real-time PCR assay (detection limit: 5 IU/mL). All “HBV DNA-positive, HBsAg-negative” cases confirmed by two independent extractions were classified as OBI. Vaccination status, self-reported history, and iatrogenic interventions were recorded. Results. Overall seroprevalence values were: HBsAg 1.7%; anti-HBc 11.3%; anti-HBs 43.0%; anti-HCV 1.9%; and anti-HDV 0.6%. Anti-HBc increased sharply with age (3.1% in children to 26.4% in the elderly, p < 0.0001), while anti-HBs declined (69.9% to 29.8%, p < 0.0001). HBV DNA was detected in 118 participants (1.7%). Of these, only 73 individuals (1.1%) were HBsAg-positive, while the remaining 45 participants (0.7%) had undetectable HBsAg, meeting the criteria for OBI. OBI was detected across all age groups, including children. Serological profiling of OBI cases revealed that 57.8% lacked both anti-HBc and anti-HBs, 35.6% had isolated anti-HBs, 2.2% had isolated anti-HBc, and 4.4% had both antibodies. HCV RNA was detected in 15.0% of anti-HCV-positive individuals (all adults). No HDV RNA was detected. Self-reported history underestimated true infection rates: 1.4% of those denying HBV infection were HBsAg-positive and 10.6% were anti-HBc-positive. Among those denying HCV infection, 1.4% were anti-HCV-positive. Vaccination coverage was 70.8%, declining from 90.9% in children to 39.0% in the elderly (p < 0.0001). Among vaccinated individuals, 48.0% lacked protective anti-HBs (<10.0 mIU/mL). Conclusions. This comprehensive serological and molecular study in Northwest Russia is the first to combine population-level serology with molecular detection of HBV, HCV, and HDV, including OBI in this region, and reveals that OBI accounts for a substantial proportion (38%) of all active HBV infections and is strongly associated with a history of iatrogenic interventions. The presence of OBI across all age groups, including children, shows that HBsAg screening alone substantially underestimates the true HBV burden. High rates of unrecognized infection and waning vaccine-induced immunity, highlight critical gaps in current surveillance. These findings provide an evidence-based rationale for integrating molecular testing into screening algorithms and for considering booster vaccination strategies to achieve viral hepatitis elimination goals. Full article

Background/Objectives: Genetic variation in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes may contribute to inter-individual differences in infectious-disease susceptibility and clinical outcomes. This study aimed to determine the genotype frequency of HLA Class I and Class II loci in patients with COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia and to examine their associations with survival and clinical severity. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 2022 to December 2023. Genomic DNA was extracted, and polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific oligonucleotide (PCR-SSO) testing was performed to screen HLA genetic variation. Patients were grouped by survival status (recovered or deceased) and clinical severity: Stage A (asymptomatic), Stage B (mild), Stage C (moderate), and Stage D (severe). Results: In total, 123 patients with COVID-19 were included; 102 (82.9%) recovered and 21 (17.1%) died. ICU admission was more frequent among deceased patients than among recovered patients (95.2% versus 51.0%, p = 0.0001). At the locus level, HLA-DPB1 represented the largest proportion of HLA calls (21%). In call-position-specific allele-group analyses, B*15 in Allele 1 (14.3% versus 1.0%, p = 0.016), C*06 in Allele 2 (42.9% versus 18.6%, p = 0.023), DRB1*10 in Allele 1 (19.0% versus 4.9%, p = 0.045), and DQB1*05 in Allele 1 (33.3% versus 11.8%, p = 0.021) were significantly more frequent among deceased patients, whereas DQB1*03 in Allele 1 was significantly more frequent among recovered patients (45.1% versus 14.3%, p = 0.013). Severity analyses showed call-position-specific differences involving C*15, C*06, B*14, B*39, B*53, and DQB1*03. Vaccination status did not differ significantly by survival status or across the four clinical severity stages. Conclusions: Selected HLA Class I and Class II allele groups may be associated with COVID-19 survival and clinical severity patterns in this Saudi cohort. These findings should be interpreted cautiously given the cohort size and call-position-specific nature of the analyses. Full article

Background: Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vectors are highly immunogenic vaccine platforms for the delivery of recombinant antigens. Efficient downstream processing is still challenging, particularly because substantial fractions of the virus remain intracellular. While chemical cell lysis that releases MVA particles into the supernatant before clarification can greatly enhance process efficiency and scalability, this step remains insufficiently characterized. Methods: This study assessed the compatibility of ionic, non-ionic, and zwitterionic detergents with the virus as purification target. Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20) was selected as a candidate detergent and evaluated across harvest times of 48–72 h post-infection (hpi) at concentrations of 0.01–0.5% (v/v). Results: The addition of 0.01% to 0.05% Tween 20 at 48 hpi resulted in a twofold increase in supernatant virus within one hour of application. Extended exposure to Tween 20, combined with a 650 mM mixture of NaCl, NaBr, and KCl, promoted virus particle release. However, Tween 20 concentrations above 0.1% reduced MVA infectivity. A filtration cascade using pore sizes of 5 µm and 1.2 µm achieved product yields of 77–83% at 48 hpi and 41–69% at 72 hpi, respectively. Host-cell DNA is an important contaminant during viral vector processing. However, the application of 0.05% (v/v) Tween 20 resulted in a 35% reduction of dsDNA released into the culture supernatant; the nuclei could not be preserved intact under high-salt conditions to avoid the release of cellular DNA. Conclusions: In summary, this comprehensive data demonstrated that non-ionic detergents can be used to induce cell lysis while maintaining infectious activity of enveloped MVA. Full article