African Swine Fever Virus: Virulence-Associated Genes and the Pathogenesis and Immunoevasion Mechanisms

Dear Colleagues,

African swine fever virus (ASFV) remains one of the most formidable threats to global swine health, driving unprecedented economic losses and reshaping disease-control policies across continents. Despite major advances in diagnostics and molecular characterization, critical gaps persist in our understanding of the viral determinants of virulence, host–pathogen interactions, and the sophisticated strategies ASFV uses to subvert innate and adaptive immunity. These gaps directly limit vaccine development and prevent long-term disease control.

This Special Issue invites high-quality research and state-of-the-art reviews that dissect the molecular basis of ASFV virulence and immunoevasion. We aim to consolidate current knowledge on key viral genes and gene families—such as multigene families (MGFs), capsid/structural components, replication machinery, and host-modulating factors—and highlight how their functions drive clinical outcome, tissue tropism, immune dysregulation, and viral persistence.

We particularly welcome studies using genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional-genetic tools (including gene deletions, in vitro and in vivo models, macrophage systems, and reverse genetics) that elucidate host responses, modulation of cytokine networks, cell-death pathways, and immune escape. Submissions addressing the evolution of virulence, genotype-specific expression patterns, and the emergence of low-virulence variants are strongly encouraged.

Ultimately, this Special Issue seeks to provide a comprehensive and mechanistic framework that advances our understanding of ASFV pathogenesis and immunity. By clarifying virulence determinants and the molecular logic of immune evasion, we aim to support the development of rational vaccines, improved diagnostic markers, and informed strategies for ASF prevention and control.

Dr. Shawn Babiuk
Guest Editor

Dr. Andrei Ungur
Guest Editor Assistant

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