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Linda Dixon’s research is focused on the functional genomics of African swine fever virus (ASFV) aimed at understanding mechanisms of immune evasion and pathogenesis and application of this knowledge to development of vaccines. This large DNA virus causes a haemorrhagic fever of pigs with a high socio-economic impact in affected countries. The lack of a vaccine limits options for disease control.

Linda’s group has focussed on research underpinning the development of effective vaccines. Their approach has been to determine genome sequences of virulent and attenuated (weakened) isolates to help define the molecular determinants of virulence and identify those genes involved in evading host defences. The group has characterised ASFV proteins that inhibit host pathways involved in activating the host’s defences. These include proteins that inhibit host gene expression (transcription) responses, signal molecule induction (i.e. interferon) and stress-activated responses. This knowledge has been applied to the rational development of candidate live attenuated ASFV vaccines by targeted gene deletions.

In collaboration with the Vaccinology Group they have compared host responses in vitro (in glass) and in vivo (in animal) and induction of protective immune responses in pigs immunised with these gene manipulated and natural attenuated ASFV strains. The group has also collaborated with these groups and The Jenner Institute to screen ASFV antigens for those important in induction of protective immunity, in particular those which induce strong immune (CD8+ T cell) responses. This information will be applied to development of candidate virus-vectored vaccines.

In addition Linda provides advice on ASFV nationally to Defra and internationally as an OIE expert and is Chair of the Asfarviridae Study Group of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses and a Jenner Institute Investigator.