Department of Virology
This Department has been conducting basic and applied research on mosquito-borne viruses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus, dengue virus and West Nile virus, as well as emerging infectious viruses such as SARS virus and Nipah virus.
Members
- Professor Kouichi Morita
- Professor(Project) Futoshi Hasebe
- Assistant Professor Shingo Inoue
- Assistant Professor Fuxun Yu
- Assistant Professor Daisuke Hayasaka
- Assistant Professor Takeshi Nabeshima
- Visiting Associate Professor Masanobu Ago
- Visiting Researcher Toru Kubo
- Postdoctoral Fellow Guillermo Posadas Herrera
- Postdoctoral Fellow Kenta Okamoto
- Research Fellow Alonzo Maria Terrese Galvez
- COE Research Fellow Mya Myat Ngwe Tun
- Technician Mitsuru Toda
- Assistant Kazumi Jodai
- COE Technician Takako Chiba
- Assistant Mayumi Ogawa
- Graduate student Akira Yoshikawa
- Graduate student Muhareva Raekiansyah
- Graduate student Yuki Takamatsu
- Graduate student Le Luat Xuan
- Graduate student Reo Uchida
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Activities
Molecular epidemiology of Japanese encephalitis and Dengue viruses
We isolate JE and dengue viruses in Asia and African regions and conduct molecular epidemiological analysis to clarify international and inter-continental movement of those viruses. We also analyze unique genome sequences that are relevant to pathogenicity.
Research on animal and organ specificity of Flavivirus
JE virus infects more efficiently in swine, whereas dengue virus multiplies well in humans. We are identifying the molecular basis for such host-specific infection of flaviviruses.
Research on viral gene functions and vaccine development using reverse genetics
We have developed infectious clones for JE and dengue viruses and identify gene functions by modifying various parts of the genes or constructing chimeric viruses between the two viruses. In addition, we are developing genetically engineered viruses as candidates for live attenuated vaccines.
Development of rapid diagnosis
Various tools for rapid diagnoses are being developed for flaviviruses and other emerging viruses using PCR, LAMP and nLC/MS technologies. Also, genetically engineered antigens are being developed to provide affordable serological tests for developing countries.
Research on emerging viral infectious diseases
Epidemiological studies on SARS virus, Nipah virus and H5N1 avian influenza virus are being conducted in Viet Nam, Malaysia and other countries in the South East Asia.
Activities as a WHO Collaborating Center
Dr. S. T. Han, then Regional Director of WHO Western Pacific Region (WPR), designated the Department of Virology as 'a WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Tropical Viral Diseases' on 23 Nov. 1993. In 2003, the department was re-designated as 'a WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Tropical and Emerging Virus Diseases' by Dr. Shigeru Omi, former Regional Director of WHO/WPR. The Department has been collaborating with WHO in training for WHO fellows from many developing countries and deployment of experts as WHO short-term consultants. In addition, Dr. Kouichi Morita was dispatched to WHO/WPRO as Regional Adviser on Communicable Diseases from 16 May 1995 to 15 May 1998. Dr. Futoshi Hasebe was also dispatched for a long term to collaborate in the global emerging infectious disease control program from March 2004 to March 2006. The Department initiated and held the First GOARN/WHO National Training Course in Nagasaki from 25 to 29 February 2008 in collaboration with WHO/WPRO.
