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

• Our laboratory has developed CPER, an innovative PCR-based reverse genetics platform, and successfully applied it to a wide range of viruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), dengue virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Zika virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and adenovirus. This technology enables the introduction of desired mutations into viral genomes as well as the insertion of reporter genes, allowing us to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenic determinants and viral tropism at multiple levels, from molecular analyses to whole-animal studies. In addition, we have generated various recombinant reporter viruses carrying fluorescent or bioluminescent markers, which have greatly improved the efficiency of virological research.
  
  We are also engaged in establishing novel animal models that reflect the clinical manifestations of viral infectious diseases. Using these models, we continue to analyze the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 variants and the tissue tropism of flaviviruses. Knowledge obtained through these fundamental studies is further translated into vaccine development and antiviral drug discovery.
  
  By continuously advancing these technologies and expanding their application to diverse viruses, we have established a research environment capable of responding rapidly to the emergence of novel viral pathogens.