Mpox animal models: a comprehensive evaluation of susceptible species for pathogenesis studies and drug discovery

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, has shifted from a regional concern to a global health priority. Progress toward targeted antivirals and vaccines, however, still hinges on a complex array of animal models developed over the last sixty years. This review distills all literature regarding Mpox animal models–from rodent to non-human primate species–into a clear, comparative narrative. We outline how host species, viral clade, and inoculation route shape clinical course and immune responses, and we identify which models best address questions of pathogenesis, transmission, and medical countermeasure efficacy. The resulting roadmap is designed to help researchers, funders, and regulators select the most informative tools and streamline mpox drug discovery pipelines.