About this Research Topic
Improved knowledge of ASFV virulence mechanisms and their correlation with protection is needed for the design and optimization of LAVs and other vaccine approaches. This includes mechanisms on the level of the whole organism, tissues, and cells. Among these mechanisms are IFN-I control and other innate and adaptive immune responses. Additionally, it is important to generate a cell line capable of sustaining LAV growth without generating genetic changes. Cell lines would also be an essential tool for the development of future disabled infectious single cycle (DISC) vaccines, involving knowledge of the mechanisms of synthesis and localization of viral proteins as well as ASFV cell tropism.
The advancing technological aspects of ASFV genome manipulation and analysis by NGS are also essential in vaccine development. Identification of the right combination of antigens to generate a protective immune response is a critical gap in knowledge and will therefore require a combination of immunological and bioinformatics studies. Identification of targets and development of assays for serological DIVA tests will be needed for the next generation of LAVs.
We welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, and Mini-Review articles that cover, but are not limited to, the following sub-topics:
• Studies and development of new vaccine prototypes against ASFV
• Studies that deepen the understanding of existing vaccine candidates
• Further testing of vaccine safety and efficacy, including field studies
• Studies of ASFV virulence at the cellular and organismal level
• Molecular studies of ASFV protein functions and host interactions
• ASFV mechanisms controlling innate and adaptive immune response including type I IFN.
• Molecular mechanisms of ASFV hemadsorption and cellular interactions
• Mechanisms involved in controlling ASFV cellular tropism and host resistance factors.
• Development of new cell lines for the growth and production of ASFV and LAVs.
• Technological improvements for recombinant ASFV development and genomic characterization by NGS
Keywords: ASFV, vaccines, virulence factors, innate immunity, IFN-I, c-GAS/STING, JAK/STAT, HAD, virus-host interaction, ASFV protein function, tropism, cell line, recombinant ASFV, NGS
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