Research Theme

• Understanding immune responses to respiratory infections and vaccinations

Keyword

• Influenza
• COVID-19
• T cell
• B cell
• Antibody
• Innate immunity
• Vaccination

Overview of Research

• We facilitate the research on immune responses to respiratory virus infections, such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses using human clinical or animal samples. In particular, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms of T cell-mediated immune responses and establishment of immune memory which are effective against pandemic viruses.
• To identify the factors that correlate with recovery speed and milder symptom in patients with mild to moderate infection or factors that correlate with severity of infections. Furthermore, we also aim to elucidate the induced immune responses by those factors.
•  We aim to elucidate the mechanisms of viral immune evasion and mechanisms of induction of cross immunity against those viruses. In particular, we will evaluate the proportion and longevity of specific CD8+ T cells induced by influenza virus or SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the cross-reactivity of such CD8+ T cell responses using SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A and B viruses. To immunologically evaluate the vaccine developed in this project, we will use the comprehensive immune evaluation platform that we have established.
•  The results of our studies will be applied to the establishment of rapid and close global infectious disease research network for clinical and basic research in the event of a pandemic outbreak.