THE SCIENTIST STAFF
Researchers have tested three main approaches to develop a vaccine candidate for the African swine fever virus strain that is currently killing pigs throughout Asia.
The traditional approach involves killing or inactivating viruses—for instance, through UV irradiation—so that they’re no longer virulent but retain viral antigens that stimulate the production of protective antibodies.
Efficacy: These vaccines stimulate an antibody response in pigs, but they don’t protect against intact forms of ASFV. Researchers think this is because inactivated viruses don’t activate killer T cells.
Safety: Based on limited studies, no side effects have been shown so far.
Commercial prospects: Researchers have abandoned this approach because of the shortfalls in efficacy.
Injecting tamer forms of virulent viruses could potentially stimulate antibody production and the all-important T cell responses without killing vaccinated animals.
Efficacy: Both gene-deleted and naturally attenuated forms of ASFV stimulate the immune system to generate antibodies and ...
