Pathophysiology of Molluscum Contagiosum

Mechanism of disease (MOD) animation produced to describe molluscum contagiosum – an infection caused by a poxvirus resulting in umbilicated papules on the surface of the skin. Scratching or touching the lesions can spread the viral infection to the surrounding skin.

Molluscum is a common, benign, yet highly contagious skin disease that affects an estimated six million people in the United States, primarily children.

The Newt Studios team animated the poxvirus invading their target – basal epithelial cells, which then proliferate rapidly in the process of hyperplasia. Viral-inclusion bodies assemble and grow inside the basal cells as the virus replicates over time.

Many thank yous to the incredible One World team for their partnership in script-writing, storyboarding, and medical direction. Our collaboration elevated the science story for the client’s healthcare professional audience.

3D Production: Newt Studios

Medical and Creative Collaboration: One World Design and Manufacturing Group

Client: Verrica Pharmaceuticals

Scroll down to view our 3D process and animation development.

3D Modeling the Epidermis in ZBrush

Texturing the Skin and Lesions

Storyboard Animatic depicting the Histopathology

As the molluscum bodies enlarge and keratinize, the cells organize into follicles and lobes, develop a central indentation, and ultimately form into distinctive raised lesions.