Comprehensive Characterization of the Genetic Landscape of African Swine Fever Virus: Insights into Infection Dynamics, Immunomodulation, Virulence and Genes with Unknown Function.

Simple Summary: African Swine Fever (ASF) is a viral disease that affects pigs, caused by the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV). With no available treatment or commercial vaccine, ASF poses a severe threat, with 100% mortality in acute cases. The virus spreads through direct and indirect contact, and current control measures include early detection, isolation, and culling of infected pigs. ASFV has a complex genome with genes and encoded proteins that play a key role in viral replication and survival. This review examines the structure and function of these proteins, highlighting both newly discovered and previously known genes involved in different stages of infection and immune response. It also discusses virulence genes and those with unknown functions, proposing potential future interventions. The findings from this study aim to advance our understanding of ASFV, guiding the development of effective vaccines and control strategies, which are essential for protecting the swine industry and supporting global food security. African Swine Fever (ASF) is a lethal contagious hemorrhagic viral disease affecting the swine population. The causative agent is African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV). There is no treatment or commercial vaccine available at present. This virus poses a significant threat to the global swine industry and economy, with 100% mortality rate in acute cases. ASFV transmission occurs through both direct and indirect contact, with control measures limited to early detection, isolation, and culling of infected pigs. ASFV exhibits a complex genomic structure and encodes for more than 50 structural and 100 non-structural proteins and has 150 to 167 open reading frames (ORFs). While many of the proteins are non-essential for viral replication, they play crucial roles in mediating with the host to ensure longevity and transmission of virus in the host. The dynamic nature of ASFV research necessitates constant updates, with ongoing exploration of various genes and their functions, vaccine development, and other ASF-related domains. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the structural and functional roles of both newly discovered and previously recorded genes involved in distinct stages of ASFV infection and immunomodulation. Additionally, the review discusses the virulence genes and genes with unknown functions, and proposes future interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]