Genomics and Applied Biology 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 264-275 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/gab 271 7.3 Towards personalized ASFV therapies The ultimate goal of ASFV research is to develop personalized therapies that can effectively combat the virus. Gene editing technologies offer a powerful tool for achieving this goal by enabling the precise modification of the host genome to enhance resistance to ASFV infection. For example, CRISPR/Cas9 can be used to disrupt viral entry receptors or to enhance the expression of antiviral genes in pigs, thereby conferring resistance to ASFV (Mahas et al., 2017; Li et al., 2020). Additionally, the use of gene editing to create transgenic pigs with enhanced immune responses to ASFV is a promising avenue for future research (Gupta and Shukla, 2017; Yin et al., 2017). Personalized ASFV therapies will require a deep understanding of the genetic and molecular factors that influence susceptibility to the virus, which can be achieved through the integration of gene editing technologies with multi-omics approaches (Rui et al., 2019; Pavlovic et al., 2020). As these technologies continue to advance, the development of personalized ASFV therapies will become increasingly feasible, offering new hope for the control and eradication of this devastating disease. 8 Ethical, Regulatory, and Biosafety Considerations 8.1 Ethical concerns in gene editing The advent of gene editing technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, has revolutionized the field of genetic research, offering unprecedented precision and efficiency. However, these advancements come with significant ethical concerns, especially when applied to editing viral and host genomes. One primary ethical issue is the potential for dual-use research, where the same technology used for beneficial purposes could be misused to create harmful biological agents. The modification of viral genomes, such as ASFV, raises concerns about the potential creation of more virulent or transmissible strains, which could pose significant risks to animal and possibly human health (DiEuliis and Giordano, 2017). Moreover, editing the host genome to enhance resistance to viruses like ASFV involves altering the genetic makeup of animals, which raises questions about animal welfare and the long-term ecological impacts. Ethical considerations must also address the potential for unintended off-target effects, which could lead to unforeseen health issues in the modified organisms (Zhang et al., 2020). The international community has called for stringent ethical standards and guidelines to govern the use of gene editing technologies, emphasizing the need for responsible research practices and the prevention of misuse (DiEuliis and Giordano, 2017; Zhang et al., 2020). 8.2 Regulatory framework for gene editing The regulatory landscape for gene editing is complex and varies significantly across different regions. In the context of ASFV research, regulatory frameworks must balance the need for scientific advancement with the imperative to ensure safety and ethical compliance. For instance, the European Union's regulatory approach to genome editing in agriculture, which could extend to ASFV research, is characterized by stringent guidelines that aim to prevent potential risks associated with genetic modifications (Jones, 2015). These regulations impact the pace and scope of research by imposing rigorous safety assessments and approval processes. In contrast, countries like Argentina have adopted more flexible regulatory frameworks that facilitate the rapid development and deployment of gene-edited organisms, provided they do not introduce novel genetic combinations. This approach has been praised for its efficiency and predictability, which could be beneficial for ASFV research by enabling quicker development of gene-edited solutions to combat the virus (Lema, 2019). However, the global disparity in regulatory standards underscores the need for international harmonization to ensure that gene editing technologies are safely and effectively integrated into ASFV research and other applications (Zhang et al., 2020; Pillai and Raybould, 2023). 8.3 Biosafety challenges Biosafety is a critical consideration in gene editing experiments, particularly when dealing with pathogens like ASFV. Ensuring the safety of such experiments involves multiple layers of oversight and risk management. One of the primary challenges is preventing the accidental release of genetically modified viruses, which could have severe consequences for animal health and the agricultural industry. Laboratories conducting ASFV research must adhere to high biosafety level (BSL) standards, including stringent containment measures and regular safety audits (Pillai and Raybould, 2023).
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