The Viral Immunology Laboratory (VIL) aims to deeply understand immunological principles underlying responses to viral infections and vaccinations and ultimately develop preventive and therapeutic measures for immune-associated diseases including infectious diseases and cancers. In addition, studying molecular and cellular mechanisms of immuno-pathogenesis during respiratory viral infections such as influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus) are one of the current research topics. Especially, we are investigating how the innate immune system bolsters antibody and T cell responses, seeking to establish the bases for modulating the magnitude and longevity of immune protection. For a translational research axis, we are contributing to the development of advanced vaccine platforms including mRNA vaccines.

Our research interests can be summarized as follows:

• Immune responses and immunopathology triggered by influenza viruses and coronaviruses
• Investigation of efficacy and underlying mechanisms of vaccine and adjuvant
• Identification of novel immune-regulatory molecules using an innovative cell-based high throughput screening system