International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 185-193 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmvr 190 for live-attenuated vaccine development (Liu et al., 2023). Additionally, the MGF300-2R and MGF-360-10L genes have been implicated in modulating the host's immune response, with their deletion resulting in reduced virulence and enhanced immune activation in infected pigs (Li et al., 2023; Wang et al., 2023). These genotype-specific differences highlight the complexity of ASFV pathogenicity and the importance of understanding the genetic basis of virulence for effective control and prevention strategies. In summary, the genetic diversity of ASFV strains, the influence of specific mutations, and genotype-specific virulence factors all play crucial roles in determining the pathogenicity of the virus. Understanding these aspects is essential for developing effective vaccines and control measures against ASFV. 6 ASFV and Host Resistance Mechanisms 6.1 The role of innate immunity in ASFV resistance The innate immune system plays a crucial role in the initial defense against African swine fever virus (ASFV) infection. ASFV has developed several strategies to evade the host's innate immune responses. For instance, the ASFV gene DP96R suppresses type I interferon (IFN) production by targeting interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), thereby inhibiting the antiviral immune response4. Similarly, the ASFV gene MGF_360-4L impairs interferon signaling by degrading MDA (Sun et al., 2024), a key molecule in the innate immune response, through the recruitment of the mitochondrial selective autophagy receptor SQSTM (Gallardo et al., 2018). Another virulence factor, I267L, inhibits RNA polymerase III-RIG-I-mediated innate immune responses, further demonstrating ASFV's ability to subvert host defenses (Ran et al., 2022). These mechanisms highlight the virus's capacity to modulate host innate immunity, which is critical for its virulence and persistence. 6.2 Adaptive immune response to ASFV The adaptive immune response, particularly the humoral and cellular components, is essential for controlling ASFV infection. While the specific adaptive immune mechanisms against ASFV are not fully elucidated in the provided data, it is known that the virus can modulate antigen presentation and immune recognition. For example, the ASFV gene EP153R modulates MHC-I antigen presentation, potentially affecting the host's ability to mount an effective adaptive immune response. The development of live attenuated vaccines, such as those lacking specific virulence genes, aims to enhance the adaptive immune response by allowing the host to recognize and respond to the virus more effectively (Gallardo et al., 2018; Liu et al., 2023). 6.3 Host genetic factors in ASFV resistance Host genetic factors significantly influence the resistance to ASFV. Genetic variations can affect the expression and function of immune-related genes, thereby impacting the host's ability to respond to ASFV infection. Although specific host genetic factors related to ASFV resistance are not detailed in the provided data, studies on other pathogens suggest that genes involved in interferon signaling and immune regulation could play a role (Ciancanelli et al., 2016). Understanding these genetic factors is crucial for developing strategies to enhance resistance in domestic pigs, potentially through selective breeding or genetic engineering. In summary, ASFV employs various strategies to evade the host's innate and adaptive immune responses, with specific viral genes playing pivotal roles in modulating these defenses. Host genetic factors also contribute to the variability in resistance to ASFV, highlighting the complexity of host-pathogen interactions in ASFV infections. 7 Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications 7.1 Current diagnostic methods for ASFV detection Current diagnostic methods for African swine fever virus (ASFV) detection primarily rely on molecular techniques such as real-time PCR assays. These assays are designed to target specific ASFV genes, such as the MGF505-7R gene, which has been shown to enhance ASFV virulence and pathogenesis. The TaqMan-based real-time PCR method developed for the MGF505-7R gene is both sensitive and specific, capable of detecting ASFV-infected samples at an early stage with high accuracy (Qi et al., 2023). This method provides a rapid and reliable tool for ASFV screening and monitoring, crucial for controlling outbreaks.
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