According to a study published in the Journal of Autoimmunity, mutations in the genetic structure of the monkeypox virus have enabled it to grow stronger and smarter by evading antiviral drugs and vaccines. The study, led by a team of researchers from the University of Missouri, identified the specific mutations in the monkeypox virus that contribute to its continued infectiousness.

In the study, the team analyzed the DNA sequences of more than 200 strains of the monkeypox virus, including a sequencer from 1965, when the virus first started spreading, to outbreaks in the early 2000s and again in 2022. In the study, the team examined five specific proteins, namely DNA polymerase, DNA helicase, the bridging protein A22R, DNA glycosylase, and G9R.

They found that the DNA genome for monkeypox is converted into nearly 200 proteins. Hence, they concluded that the virus comes with all the "armor" it needs to replicate, divide, and continue to infect others. The findings of the study suggested that identification of these mutations can help in either modifying the existing drugs used to treat monkeypox or developing new medicines that can counter the mutations, thereby reducing symptoms of the disease and curbing the spread of the virus. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/diagnostics/mutations-have-made-monkeypox-smarter-indian-origin-scientists/95331918 )