Scientists from The Pirbright Institute have worked with University
College London to map the expression of genes across the entire African swine
fever virus (ASF) genome.
They have learned that different genes are working when
infection begins than when it’s well established and the virus is preparing to
invade new animals.
The research could provide vital
information for those developing vaccines and antiviral drugs to prevent the
deadly pig disease caused by this virus.
In their study, published in the Journal of
Virology, the researchers used next generation sequencing to create
the first complete genetic road map.
ASFV has a very large DNA genome - between 150 and 190 compared with
eight for influenza.
“Our study helps to untangle which genes are important during
different stages of infection to better understand their functions”, said Dr. Linda Dixon, head of the African Swine Fever Virus group at Pirbright.
