December 20, 2024 | 11:45 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Saturday- 16:32, 26/08/2023

European researchers find key pig gene for ASF infection

(VAN) A team of European scientists found a key pig gene for the replication of African Swine Fever (ASF) virus.
A gene from the pig’s immune system is crucial in the process. This provides important new insights into the biology of the ASF virus. Photo: Dreamstime

A gene from the pig’s immune system is crucial in the process. This provides important new insights into the biology of the ASF virus. Photo: Dreamstime

A team from Germany’s Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) and the Roslin Institute of the University of Edinburgh in Scotland recently conducted this piece of research. They aimed to find out which pig genes are needed for the ASF virus to replicate.

Gene from pig’s immune system is crucial

Their study, which was published in August 2023 in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports, shows that a gene from the pig’s immune system is crucial in that process. This provides important new insights into the biology of the ASF virus, which can serve as a basis for future research approaches. In particular, the identified gene offers a suitable approach for the development of effective therapeutics against ASFv infections or ASFv-resistant pig breeds, the 2 organisations wrote in a press release.

Viral proteins

ASFv has a large DNA genome from which more than 160 viral proteins are produced in infected cells. Little is known about the functions of many of these viral proteins. It is also not clear which cellular proteins ASF virus uses to enter the host cell.

CRISPR/Cas9 expression library

To identify host proteins important for ASFv, scientists at the Roslin Institute provided a CRISPR/Cas9 expression library as a molecular tool that allowed their colleagues at the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut to knock out all known genes in the pig genome individually in vitro and test the resulting cell cultures for susceptibility to ASFv infection.

MHC II receptor protein SLA-DM

That led to the identification of several genes of the major histocompatibility complex II (MHC II) as relevant factors for the reproductive capacity of ASFv, the news release explained. In particular, the MHC II receptor protein SLA-DM was shown to be required for efficient ASFv infection. Therefore, the research team concluded, SLA-DM may be a suitable target protein for the development of effective therapeutics against ASF or ASFv resistant pig breeds.

HD

(PP)

Environmentalists call for a revision of poultry welfare standards

Environmentalists call for a revision of poultry welfare standards

(VAN) Voice of Animals, a Russian NGO, has prepared amendments to the draft veterinary regulation in the poultry industry, which is scheduled to come into force on 1 August 2025.

Hunger in the Arab region reaches a new height as challenges intensify

Hunger in the Arab region reaches a new height as challenges intensify

(VAN) From the FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa.

A year of change for the UK poultry industry

A year of change for the UK poultry industry

(VAN) A year of change for both the UK’s broiler and egg sectors is highlighted in this year’s Andersons annual Outlook report.

Incredible results of pairing solar panels with agriculture:'We were able to get more from the land'

Incredible results of pairing solar panels with agriculture:'We were able to get more from the land'

(VAN) Agriculture is a necessary part of human existence; on a global scale, unfortunately, it contributes to the climate crisis.

How the Amazon's 'Boiling River' foreshadows a warmer world

How the Amazon's 'Boiling River' foreshadows a warmer world

(VAN) The Boiling River regularly reaches 86oC - with drastic consequences for the surrounding rainforest.

UK farmers cause London gridlock in huge tractor protest

UK farmers cause London gridlock in huge tractor protest

(VAN) For the second time in a month, hundreds of UK farmers took to the streets of London in protest against Labour Party farm inheritance taxes, among other issues.

Farmers face £600m loss after second-worst harvest on record

Farmers face £600m loss after second-worst harvest on record

(VAN) Poor weather to blame for hampering ability to sow and damaging growing conditions.

Read more