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Research Center for Viral Infectious Diseases and Control

Research Center for Viral Infectious Diseases and Control
Research Center for Viral Infectious Diseases and Control
Objectives
Influenza pandemics generally occur following the emergence of new strains of influenza viruses that can be transmitted to humans from other animal species and spread easily within the human population on a worldwide scale. An influenza pandemic of this nature is regarded as a global disaster, threatening public health with high morbidity and mortality.
Therefore, it is necessary to formulate plans to counter current and future influenza pandemics. The overall objective of our center is to develop new vaccine technologies and antiviral strategies to broadly address protective immune responses against various sub-types of influenza viruses, especially the current pandemic influenza virus (novel 2009 influenza A [H1N1]) and the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, which are potential candidate viruses of future influenza pandemics.
Researchers
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researchers and research statement
name research fields
Dae Gwin Jeong
/ Associate Director
  • Structure-based development of recombinant viral protein vaccines
  • Proteomic analysis of virus-host interaction
Sun-Woo Yoon
/ Researcher
  • Pathogenesis and genetic characterization of influenza viruses
  • Development of influenza vaccine technologies using the reverse genetics system
Doo-Jin Kim
/ Researcher
  • Development of universal influenza vaccines
  • Mechanisms of action of immunomodulatory vaccine adjuvants
Hye Kwon Kim
/ Researcher
  • Viral infectious diseases in animals, Identification and characterization of novel viruses
Ji Hyung Kim
/ Researcher
  • Aquatic Animal Medicine(Virology)
Sung Kyun Park
/ Researcher
  • Immunology (B-cell biology, antibody), Molecular biology
research areas
  • Development of new vaccine technologies, including subunit, genetic, and live attenuated vaccines against influenza viruses
    • Several candidates of subunit vaccines have been developed via prokaryotic and eukaryotic protein expression systems, using the HA, M2, and NP antigens. We have succeeded in the design and mass production of novel vaccine candidates, and have currently evaluated their efficacies as vaccine candidates in animal models.
  • Development of new vaccine adjuvants using bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and the investigation of its immunomodulatory mechanisms
    • As an efficacious vaccine adjuvant candidate, we have developed bacterial OMVs. Study of the immune mechanism of the adjuvant has revealed that it strongly induces both humoral and cellular immune responses by stimulating innate immune receptors such as TLRs. Recently we are also studying the antiviral effect and mechanisms of action of OMVs in vivo and in vitro. The efficacy of the OMV adjuvant has been evaluated in rodent as well as porcine models.
  • Basic research on pandemic influenza, including surveillance and genetic characterization
    • We have isolated influenza viruses from fecal samples of wild migratory birds and ducks in Korea. We have completely identified the positive isolates and have genetically and pathogenically characterized them (Namet al., J. Virol 2011). In addition, we have evaluated in vitro and in vivo activities of some candidates of antiviral agents.
Achievements
  • Transfer of technologies and know-how of refinement of canine influenza vaccine antigen
  • Development of candidate materials for universal vaccines based on HA and M2 antigens
  • Development of a new vaccine adjuvant ased on bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and evaluation on the efficacy in small and large animal models
  • Investigation on the immunomodulatory and antiviral functions of OMVs
  • Isolation and characterization of influenza viruses from domestic wild birds, dogs, horses, and human patients.