New genetic engineering system paves way for African Swine Fever Virus vaccine

USA – Scientists from the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI), and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) have made a groundbreaking development in the battle against African swine fever virus (ASFV). 

They have successfully created a synthetic genomics-based reverse genetics system, a crucial tool for advancing vaccine development and deepening scientific understanding of this devastating virus.

Published in Science Advances, their study, “A synthetic genomics-based African swine fever virus engineering platform,” allows researchers to generate genetically modified ASFV strains. 

This innovation marks a significant step in countering a virus that has inflicted substantial economic damage on the global swine industry.

“By developing a synthetic genomics-based reverse genetics system for ASFV, we are not only advancing our understanding of this virus but also creating tools that can be applied to other emerging viral threats,” said Sanjay Vashee, PhD, senior author of the study from JCVI. 

“This research has the potential to significantly reduce the economic losses caused by ASFV in the global swine industry, providing much-needed solutions to control and prevent the spread of the disease.”

How the system works

The reverse genetics system allows scientists to efficiently create genetically modified ASFV strains through a series of intricate steps. 

The process begins with the construction of synthetic DNA, where researchers develop lab-made versions of the virus’s genetic material. 

Once these fragments are prepared, they are assembled into complete genomes using yeast recombination machinery. This step ensures that the ASFV DNA is properly modified and structured for further study.

Following genome assembly, the modified DNA is transferred to E. coli, facilitating large-scale isolation and replication of the genetic material. The next phase involves transfecting the synthetic DNA into mammalian host cells, which are subsequently infected with a self-helper virus. 

This virus, modified using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, provides essential proteins required for DNA replication while being unable to reproduce on its own.

This process allows scientists to produce live recombinant viruses containing specific genetic modifications. These engineered strains serve as valuable tools for further research and vaccine development, offering new possibilities in the fight against ASFV.

A new era for ASFV research

The ability to rapidly engineer ASFV strains will accelerate the development of live-attenuated and subunit vaccines, potentially leading to practical solutions for controlling the virus. 

Hussein Abkallo, PhD, a researcher at ILRI and co-author of the study, emphasised the importance of this breakthrough, stating, 

“Globally, ASFV outbreaks have caused devastating economic losses amounting to billions of dollars, severely impacting the pork industry, food security, and livelihoods. In Africa, the impact could be dire given the presence of multiple virus genotypes and the widespread lack of adequate biosecurity measures to control the disease. 

This platform gives hope of developing new, targeted vaccines that can protect animal health to reduce mortality as well as the environmental footprint of the livestock sector by preventing unnecessary losses.”

The implications of this research extend far beyond ASFV. The synthetic genomics-based approach can be applied to other viruses with non-infectious genomes, such as lumpy skin disease virus, which affects cattle and causes significant economic harm. 

Moreover, this technology could facilitate research on emerging RNA viruses, including Zika, chikungunya, Mayaro, and Ebola. 

By leveraging synthetic genomics, scientists could rapidly develop reverse genetics tools for these and future viral threats, leading to more effective vaccines and treatments.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.