German study: How ASF virus beats the porcine immune system

New understanding of how the African swine fever (ASF) virus infects pigs could contribute to the development of more effective vaccines.

March 11, 2025

African Swine Fever Virus

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Latest research offers insight into how the African swine fever (ASF) virus beats the immune system of the pigs, reports Germany’s veterinary agency, the Friedrich-Loeffler Institute (FLI).

A study carried out at the FLI and University of Greifswald reveals that the virus targets the animal’s monocytes. A key element in the immune response, these cells play a vital role in fighting infections and removing damaged cells. Using a highly virulent ASF strain, the German researchers showed that the virus targeted the monocytes. By disrupting the presentation of the antigen on the cell surface, the monocytes were inactivated, breaking down the immune system’s messaging.

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