Research Theme

• Elucidation of pathogenesis mechanisms of positive-strand RNA viruses and their application to vaccine development

Keyword

• Positive-strand RNA virus
• Reverse genetics
• Pathogenesis
• Disease model development
• Vaccine development

Overview of Research

• Positive-strand RNA viruses constitute a group that includes numerous pathogens responsible for severe global health burdens, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), dengue virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and Zika virus. Understanding how these viruses acquire host specificity and tissue tropism and how they manifest pathogenicity represents a fundamental question in virology, and its elucidation is essential for the development of effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
  We have advanced and refined viral synthetic genomics technologies, thereby redefining reverse genetics systems for positive-strand RNA viruses. This approach enables the introduction of arbitrary mutations into viral genomes as well as the insertion of reporter genes, allowing comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms governing viral pathogenicity and infection tropism across multiple scales, from the molecular level to the whole-animal level.
  Furthermore, we are establishing novel animal models that recapitulate the clinical manifestations of viral infections, facilitating deeper insights into disease pathogenesis. The knowledge gained from these fundamental studies is being translated into vaccine development, including the generation of novel vaccine candidates and the improvement of existing vaccines. In addition, leveraging our background in veterinary science and experimental animal research, we aim to advance infectious disease control strategies with a clear perspective toward clinical application in humans.