International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 185-193 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmvr 191 7.2 Potential biomarkers for virulence assessment Identifying potential biomarkers for ASFV virulence is essential for understanding the virus's pathogenicity and developing effective vaccines. Several ASFV genes have been identified as virulence factors, including MGF360-9L, which antagonizes the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, and DP96R, which suppresses type I IFN production by targeting IRF3. The deletion of these genes in experimental vaccine strains has shown to attenuate the virus, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for assessing ASFV virulence (Zhang et al., 2022; Sun et al., 2024). Additionally, the ASFV MGF505-7R gene is considered a candidate for vaccine formulations due to its role in enhancing virulence. 7.3 Vaccine development and antiviral strategies Vaccine development for ASFV is focused on creating live attenuated vaccines by deleting specific virulence-associated genes. For instance, the deletion of the I73R gene has been shown to produce a potent live-attenuated vaccine candidate1. Similarly, the removal of genes such as A137R, MGF360, and MGF505 has been explored to reduce virulence and enhance safety in vaccine strains (O'Donnell et al., 2015; Koltsov et al., 2024). These strategies aim to balance attenuation with immunogenicity to provide effective protection against ASFV. Moreover, the development of DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) vaccines, which include antigenic markers like the p11.5 protein, is a promising approach to distinguish between infected and vaccinated animals, facilitating better disease management. In summary, advancements in diagnostic methods, identification of virulence biomarkers, and innovative vaccine development strategies are crucial for controlling ASFV. These efforts aim to improve early detection, assess virulence accurately, and provide effective immunization against this devastating virus. 8 Concluding Remarks Recent studies have significantly advanced our understanding of the virulence mechanisms of African swine fever virus (ASFV). Key virulence genes such as A151R, DP96R, and MGF300-2R have been identified as critical players in the virus's ability to evade host immune responses and maintain its pathogenicity. The A151R gene, for instance, is involved in virus virulence in domestic swine, and its deletion results in reduced virulence, suggesting potential for vaccine development1. Similarly, the DP96R gene suppresses type I interferon production by targeting IRF3, highlighting its role in immune evasion. The MGF300-2R gene promotes autophagic degradation of key immune signaling proteins, further elucidating ASFV's strategy to suppress host immune responses. These insights into ASFV's molecular interactions with host cells provide a foundation for developing targeted interventions. Future research should focus on further characterizing the molecular interactions between ASFV and host immune pathways. Investigating the roles of other virulence-associated genes, such as I73R and MGF_360-4L, which have shown potential in attenuating the virus and enhancing immune responses, could lead to the development of effective live-attenuated vaccines. Additionally, exploring the differential expression of host genes in response to ASFV infection, as demonstrated in transcriptome analyses, could uncover new therapeutic targets and improve our understanding of ASFV pathogenicity. Collaborative efforts in genomics and immunology will be crucial in advancing ASFV control strategies. The control of ASFV is of paramount importance due to its devastating impact on the global swine industry and associated economic losses. Effective ASFV control measures, including the development of vaccines targeting key virulence genes, could significantly reduce the spread of the virus and its economic burden. Moreover, understanding ASFV's immune evasion strategies can inform public health policies and biosecurity measures to prevent outbreaks. The integration of scientific research with policy-making will be essential in mitigating the public health and economic impacts of ASFV. Acknowledgments I express our heartfelt gratitude to the two anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments on the manuscript.
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