Periodic Reporting for period 1 - VAX4ASF (NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR AFRICAN SWINE FEVER VACCINES)
Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-06-30
VAX4ASF aims to develop a state-of-the-art platform to produce safe and highly effective vaccines against African swine fever virus (ASFV) for both domestic pigs and wild boar. During this reporting period, significant progress has been made in the design and optimisation of vaccine candidates based on an innovative platform intended to provide protection against the diverse ASFV variants currently circulating in Europe, while addressing the safety limitations associated with traditional live attenuated vaccines.
The developed vaccine candidates are being tailored to induce a strong innate immune response alongside a robust and appropriate adaptive immunity. In parallel, work has advanced on enabling the differentiation between vaccinated and infected animals through the development of complementary DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) diagnostic approaches. These efforts contribute to improving disease monitoring and control strategies.
In addition, progress has been achieved in understanding the molecular mechanisms of ASFV infection and its interaction with the host. This knowledge is being used to refine the vaccine platform by introducing targeted modifications aimed at enhancing efficacy and cross-protection of the vaccine prototypes.
The project has also advanced in the development of epidemiological models and control strategies, improving the understanding of ASFV transmission dynamics, particularly at the interface between wild and domestic animal populations. These results are supporting the design of more effective and innovative disease management approaches with the potential to significantly impact animal health and the global economy.
Overall, the work carried out so far reflects a strong international collaboration bringing together leading experts in African swine fever and vaccine development from Europe, the United States, and Kenya, contributing to the successful advancement of the project objectives.
The developed vaccine candidates are being tailored to induce a strong innate immune response alongside a robust and appropriate adaptive immunity. In parallel, work has advanced on enabling the differentiation between vaccinated and infected animals through the development of complementary DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) diagnostic approaches. These efforts contribute to improving disease monitoring and control strategies.
In addition, progress has been achieved in understanding the molecular mechanisms of ASFV infection and its interaction with the host. This knowledge is being used to refine the vaccine platform by introducing targeted modifications aimed at enhancing efficacy and cross-protection of the vaccine prototypes.
The project has also advanced in the development of epidemiological models and control strategies, improving the understanding of ASFV transmission dynamics, particularly at the interface between wild and domestic animal populations. These results are supporting the design of more effective and innovative disease management approaches with the potential to significantly impact animal health and the global economy.
Overall, the work carried out so far reflects a strong international collaboration bringing together leading experts in African swine fever and vaccine development from Europe, the United States, and Kenya, contributing to the successful advancement of the project objectives.
During the reporting period, substantial progress has been made across all core areas of the project.
Efforts have focused on the development of vaccine candidates with limited replication capacity. These candidates are being generated using innovative technologies, marking a significant advancement in the field. The necessary molecular and cellular tools have been successfully established, enabling the production and purification of candidate vaccines. Several of these candidates are currently undergoing, or are about to undergo, in vitro evaluation to identify the most promising options for subsequent in vivo studies.
In parallel, important advances have been achieved in understanding how African swine fever virus (ASFV) interacts with the host immune system. Several viral proteins involved in modulating antiviral responses have been identified, and additional candidates are under further characterisation. Research has also led to the identification of unique antigens that may play a role in cross-protection across different ASFV genotypes, providing valuable insights to support vaccine design.
Preparatory activities for future industrial scale-up and vaccine development have been initiated ahead of schedule. These include early work on stability studies and testing for adventitious agents, ensuring readiness for subsequent production phases.
Progress has also been made in the development of DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) diagnostic tools. Work has focused on generating a prototype test and associated protocols based on antigens linked to the vaccine candidates under study. Several candidate antigens have already been produced and are being evaluated.
In the area of epidemiology, efforts have concentrated on the collection, sharing, and preparation of data to support the analysis of ASFV transmission dynamics, particularly at the interface between wild boar and domestic pigs in affected regions of Europe. These activities lay the groundwork for subsequent modelling and risk assessment.
Stakeholder engagement activities have resulted in the establishment of an international network of experts in African swine fever, as well as the creation of a Stakeholder Advisory Board. A structured collaboration plan has also been developed to guide ongoing interaction with key actors.
Communication and dissemination efforts have focused on building a coherent project identity and establishing a comprehensive communication ecosystem, including the development and implementation of a dedicated strategy to ensure effective outreach.
Project management activities have been carried out efficiently, covering governance, reporting, and administrative procedures, with all planned deliverables submitted on time. In addition, ethical oversight has been ensured through the appointment of an independent Ethics Advisor responsible for monitoring animal experimentation and data use.
Efforts have focused on the development of vaccine candidates with limited replication capacity. These candidates are being generated using innovative technologies, marking a significant advancement in the field. The necessary molecular and cellular tools have been successfully established, enabling the production and purification of candidate vaccines. Several of these candidates are currently undergoing, or are about to undergo, in vitro evaluation to identify the most promising options for subsequent in vivo studies.
In parallel, important advances have been achieved in understanding how African swine fever virus (ASFV) interacts with the host immune system. Several viral proteins involved in modulating antiviral responses have been identified, and additional candidates are under further characterisation. Research has also led to the identification of unique antigens that may play a role in cross-protection across different ASFV genotypes, providing valuable insights to support vaccine design.
Preparatory activities for future industrial scale-up and vaccine development have been initiated ahead of schedule. These include early work on stability studies and testing for adventitious agents, ensuring readiness for subsequent production phases.
Progress has also been made in the development of DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) diagnostic tools. Work has focused on generating a prototype test and associated protocols based on antigens linked to the vaccine candidates under study. Several candidate antigens have already been produced and are being evaluated.
In the area of epidemiology, efforts have concentrated on the collection, sharing, and preparation of data to support the analysis of ASFV transmission dynamics, particularly at the interface between wild boar and domestic pigs in affected regions of Europe. These activities lay the groundwork for subsequent modelling and risk assessment.
Stakeholder engagement activities have resulted in the establishment of an international network of experts in African swine fever, as well as the creation of a Stakeholder Advisory Board. A structured collaboration plan has also been developed to guide ongoing interaction with key actors.
Communication and dissemination efforts have focused on building a coherent project identity and establishing a comprehensive communication ecosystem, including the development and implementation of a dedicated strategy to ensure effective outreach.
Project management activities have been carried out efficiently, covering governance, reporting, and administrative procedures, with all planned deliverables submitted on time. In addition, ethical oversight has been ensured through the appointment of an independent Ethics Advisor responsible for monitoring animal experimentation and data use.
The project has progressed beyond the current state of the art in several key areas. Significant advances have been achieved in vaccine development, including the generation of novel replication-limited vaccine prototypes using complementary approaches. At the same time, new insights into immune responses have been obtained through the identification of previously uncharacterised African swine fever virus (ASFV) genes involved in antiviral defence, as well as the characterisation of antigens with potential cross-protective capacity across different ASFV genotypes.
Important progress has also been made in diagnostic innovation, with the development of a prototype DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) test, accompanied by a validated protocol for serum inactivation to enable safe handling and international exchange of samples. In parallel, extensive epidemiological data from multiple countries have been collected and processed, supporting a deeper understanding of disease dynamics. Engagement with stakeholders has been strengthened through the establishment of an international expert network and advisory board, while communication and dissemination activities have resulted in a clear project identity and an active digital presence.
The results achieved so far position the project to deliver substantial impact. From a scientific perspective, the development of replication-limited ASFV vaccine candidates and the identification of cross-protective antigens represent important advances in the field. Economically, progress towards safe vaccines and accompanying diagnostic tools provides a foundation for reducing the significant financial burden associated with ASF outbreaks. Societally, early and continuous stakeholder engagement, combined with transparent communication, is helping to build acceptance of vaccination strategies and facilitate future policy uptake. Environmentally, the advancement of vaccine-based prevention approaches has the potential to reduce reliance on mass culling practices and mitigate their associated impacts.
More specifically, several vaccine candidates are currently undergoing laboratory evaluation, providing a strong basis for the development of safer ASF vaccines. Novel ASFV immune modulators and cross-protective antigen candidates have been identified, contributing to improved knowledge that can support future vaccine evaluation frameworks. A prototype DIVA diagnostic test has been successfully developed and validated, together with a serum inactivation protocol that enables safe international collaboration. In addition, validated epidemiological datasets have been generated, and modelling activities and field studies are underway to better understand transmission patterns. Stakeholder engagement activities have mobilised a broad international community through structured collaboration mechanisms, while dissemination efforts, including a project website, social media outreach, media coverage, and participation in international conferences, have ensured visibility and knowledge sharing.
Important progress has also been made in diagnostic innovation, with the development of a prototype DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) test, accompanied by a validated protocol for serum inactivation to enable safe handling and international exchange of samples. In parallel, extensive epidemiological data from multiple countries have been collected and processed, supporting a deeper understanding of disease dynamics. Engagement with stakeholders has been strengthened through the establishment of an international expert network and advisory board, while communication and dissemination activities have resulted in a clear project identity and an active digital presence.
The results achieved so far position the project to deliver substantial impact. From a scientific perspective, the development of replication-limited ASFV vaccine candidates and the identification of cross-protective antigens represent important advances in the field. Economically, progress towards safe vaccines and accompanying diagnostic tools provides a foundation for reducing the significant financial burden associated with ASF outbreaks. Societally, early and continuous stakeholder engagement, combined with transparent communication, is helping to build acceptance of vaccination strategies and facilitate future policy uptake. Environmentally, the advancement of vaccine-based prevention approaches has the potential to reduce reliance on mass culling practices and mitigate their associated impacts.
More specifically, several vaccine candidates are currently undergoing laboratory evaluation, providing a strong basis for the development of safer ASF vaccines. Novel ASFV immune modulators and cross-protective antigen candidates have been identified, contributing to improved knowledge that can support future vaccine evaluation frameworks. A prototype DIVA diagnostic test has been successfully developed and validated, together with a serum inactivation protocol that enables safe international collaboration. In addition, validated epidemiological datasets have been generated, and modelling activities and field studies are underway to better understand transmission patterns. Stakeholder engagement activities have mobilised a broad international community through structured collaboration mechanisms, while dissemination efforts, including a project website, social media outreach, media coverage, and participation in international conferences, have ensured visibility and knowledge sharing.