May 10, 2024

Pirbright Institute collaborates with The Vaccine Group to develop ASF vaccine

UK-based Pirbright Institute has joined forces with researchers at The Vaccine Group (TVG) to develop an African swine fever (ASF) vaccine, National Hog Farmer reported.

Despite stringent movement restrictions, the virus continues to spread rapidly across Europe and globally, jeopardising food security, causing substantial economic losses, and endangering biodiversity and farmer livelihoods. In 2022, the UK's swine and pork export market exceeded GBP 623 million (US$781 million), a sum at risk in the event of an outbreak.

Traditional vaccine approaches have proven inadequate, necessitating innovative solutions to address the challenge.

With backing from the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, researchers led by Chris Netherton, head of Pirbright's African Swine Fever Vaccinology research group, in collaboration with Jeremy Salt, CEO, and Michael Jarvis, CSO at TVG, aim to revolutionise ASF vaccine development.

The project adopts a novel approach, utilising bovine herpesvirus 4 as a platform for ASF vaccine development, capitalising on recent advancements in ASF vaccinology and porcine immunology. By leveraging TVG's proficiency in herpesvirus-based vaccine platforms, the team aims to accelerate the creation of safe and effective ASF vaccines.

Netherton said the insights gained from this project on the immune response to ASFV infection will be of interest to researchers studying other swine pathogens such as porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus, swine influenza virus, and classical swine fever virus.

He also said through their collaboration with TVG, the Pirbright Institute is not only combating ASF but also revolutionising vaccine development. By harnessing bovine herpesvirus 4, they aspire to develop safer, more effective vaccines for global swine protection.

The project is slated to span 18 months and aims to identify a novel vaccine candidate.

-      National Hog Farmer