International Journal of Molecular Veterinary Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 261-268 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmvr 265 6 Implications for Disease Control and Vaccine Development 6.1 Challenges in current ASFV control measures African swine fever virus (ASFV) presents significant challenges for disease control due to its complex interactions with host cells and its ability to evade the host's immune system. The virus primarily targets macrophages and monocytes, modulating these cells to evade immune responses, which complicates the development of effective vaccines. The lack of a commercial vaccine is a major hurdle, as the virus's ability to inhibit interferon signaling and manipulate inflammatory pathways allows it to persist and spread rapidly among swine populations (Orosco, 2024). Additionally, the intricate entry mechanisms of ASFV, involving clathrin-mediated endocytosis and other pathways, further complicate the development of antiviral strategies. 6.2 Advances in ASFV research and therapeutics Recent research has made significant strides in understanding ASFV-host interactions, which is crucial for developing effective vaccines and therapeutics. Studies have identified key viral proteins that interact with host proteins, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of ASFV infection. Advances in vaccine development include the exploration of live attenuated vaccines (LAVs) and subunit vaccines, which have shown promise in providing homologous and partial heterologous protection (Arias et al., 2017). The identification of specific virulence genes that can be deleted to create attenuated strains is a promising avenue for vaccine development. 6.3 Integration of research insights into control strategies Integrating recent research insights into ASFV control strategies is essential for developing effective measures against the virus. Understanding the virus's immune evasion tactics, such as its ability to inhibit antigen presentation and induce non-neutralizing antibodies, can inform the design of vaccines that elicit a more robust immune response (He et al., 2022). Additionally, targeting the virus's entry mechanisms and its interactions with host proteins could lead to novel antiviral therapies. By leveraging these insights, researchers can develop more targeted and effective control strategies, potentially leading to the eradication of ASFV in affected regions. 7 Future Directions 7.1 Research priorities for understanding ASFV biology Understanding the complex interactions between African swine fever virus (ASFV) and host cells remains a critical research priority. Recent studies have highlighted the intricate relationship between ASFV and host immune responses, particularly the virus's ability to manipulate host cell pathways such as the NF-κB signaling pathway and cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions (Li et al., 2022). Further research is needed to elucidate the multifunctional roles of ASFV proteins in these interactions, which could provide insights into viral pathogenesis and immune evasion strategies (Chen and Lin, 2024). Additionally, exploring the virus-host protein-protein interactions (PPIs) can reveal potential targets for antiviral strategies. 7.2 Technological advances in ASFV research Technological advancements such as RNA sequencing and proteomics have significantly enhanced our understanding of ASFV biology. Transcriptome profiling has been instrumental in identifying differentially expressed genes and pathways affected by ASFV infection, providing a comprehensive view of the host's response to the virus (Li and He, 2024). Moreover, the use of yeast two-hybrid assays and mass spectrometry has facilitated the mapping of ASFV-host protein interaction networks, which are crucial for identifying key regulatory proteins involved in viral replication and pathogenesis (Chen et al., 2022). These technologies will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing ASFV research and developing novel therapeutic approaches. 7.3 Strategies for global ASFV management Effective global management of ASFV requires a multifaceted approach, including the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs. Although there are no commercially available vaccines, research into live-attenuated viruses and the identification of non-essential viral genes offers promising avenues for vaccine development (Gallardo et al., 2018; Ramírez-Medina et al., 2020). Additionally, understanding the mechanisms of ASFV entry and replication in host cells can inform the design of antiviral drugs that target specific stages of the viral life cycle.
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