2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The main objective is to understand the molecular basis of the pathogenesis and immune response during the infection with African Swine Fever virus (ASFV). It is expected to gain knowledge to allow the development of experimental immunogens. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) 1) Evaluate the effect of specific ASFV genes as immunogens in the induction of protection against the challenge with virulent virus. 2) Evaluate the interaction of ASFV genes previously involved in virus virulence with host swine proteins. 3) Evaluate the effect of chemical compounds, which have demonstrated effect in the virus growth in vitro, in the pathogenesis of the disease in swine. 3.Progress Report Tested the ability of atorvastatin of altering the normal progress of ASF in animals infected with highly virulent strains. Atorvastatin is a drug that acts as a potent modulator of cholesterol metabolism. Preliminary results obtained have demonstrated that atorvastatin has a significant inhibitory effect in virus yield in cell cultures infected with ASFV. We have performed a trial with animals that were pretreated with different doses of atorvastatin before they were challenged intramuscularly with ASFV strain Georgia. Results demonstrated that disease progression as well as virus infection kynectics were practically indistinguishable from those observed in mock pretreated animals. This project was monitored through email and telephone exchange.