Immune reactions against the rabbit myxoma virus

The rabbit myxomatosis is caused by a Leporipoxvirus from the Poxviridae family. Extremely virulent strains kill the animals and no immunological reactions can be proved. Surviving individuals gain adaptive immunity that protects them from reinfection. In time virus is naturally attenuated and the resistance in the population is increased. There is not enough research about T- and B-lymphocyte immune reactions to the virus. This article deals with the scientific experience in the field of antibodies and their different protective effect. The authors have tried to analyze the data about the suppressive effects of the virus. Some of the virus proteins have also immunomodulatory activity. The molecular aspects of virulence and the oncolytic effects of myxoma virus are described. The future of myxoma virus research is directed towards its use as a part of anticancer therapy and the selection of rabbit breeds with higher antivirus resistance.