Immune Responses to Modified Vaccinia Ankara Vaccine and Natural Mpox Infection in Indonesia (IND-IMOVA)

Investigators
dr. Robert Sinto, DPhil (Chief Investigator)
dr. Hanny Nilasari, Sp.D.V.E, Subsp.Ven. (Co-investigator)
Prof. Erni Juwita Nelwan (Co-investigator)
dr. Adeline Pasaribu, Sp.PD (Co-investigator)
dr. Prima Yosephine Hutapea, MKM (Co-investigator)
dr. Achmad Farchanny Tri Adryanto, MKM (Co-investigator)
Prof. Raph L. Hamers (Co-investigator)
Dr. Suwarti (Co-investigator)

Partners
Indonesia Ministry of Health
Provincial Health Office of Jakarta
Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta
Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia

Duration
September 2024 – September 2029

The IND-IMOVA Study investigates the immune responses to Mpox natural infection and to the Modified Vaccinia Ankara – Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN), an Mpox vaccine. The goal is to improve vaccination strategies and understand the factors influencing immunity in vaccinated individuals and those who have contracted the virus.

Background

The IND-IMOVA study is set against the global emergence of the Mpox virus, which was first declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in July 2022 by the World Health Organization. Although this initial PHEIC was declared over in May 2023 following a sustained decline in global cases, a resurgence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and other African countries led the World Health Organization to re-declare Mpox as a PHEIC in August 2024. Amid these ongoing challenges, countries like Indonesia have implemented targeted vaccination programs using the MVA-BN vaccine, originally developed for smallpox, to protect high-risk populations. However, there remain critical gaps in understanding the vaccine’s effectiveness and longer-term immunity, especially across different demographic and geographic groups. The IND-IMOVA study aims to fill these gaps by investigating the immune responses to both the vaccine and natural Mpox infection among Indonesians.

Study Design

This observational longitudinal study is designed to explore how people’s immune systems respond to the MVA-BN vaccine. The study is particularly focused on understanding how well the vaccine works, how long its protection lasts, and how different factors, such as previous infections, underlying health conditions, or varying vaccination schedules, affect the immune response.

The study will include up to 200 participants in Indonesia who have received one or two doses of the MVA-BN vaccine as part of Indonesia’s vaccination program, as well as those who have been infected with Mpox. By analyzing blood samples from these individuals at multiple points over time, researchers aim to measure the levels of antibodies and other immune markers. This will help them understand not only how effective the vaccine is at generating immunity but also how other factors might influence the immune response.

This study is part of the SEACOVARIANTS network that aims to develop and apply a multidisciplinary research platform for rapid assessment of the biological significance of SARS-CoV-2 variants and other pathogens in Southeast Asia, thereby supporting local policymakers with evidence-based decision-making.

Goal

The ultimate goal of the IND-IMOVA study is to provide valuable insights that can inform future public health strategies for preventing Mpox. By identifying the best vaccination practices and understanding the longevity and strength of the immune response, the study aims to support the ongoing effort to control the spread of Mpox and reduce the risk of severe disease in vulnerable populations.