Introduction

Study on the mechanism of viral immune responses and immunopathology

• 1. Characterization of the immune response against viral infection
• 2. Role of heterologous immune response in viral infection
• 3. Mechanism of immune senescence and its effects on immune response
• 4. Effects of various cytokines in viral infection and mechanism of their actions

The Center for Viral Immunology aims to build a strong knowledge base for viral immunology through research on immune responses to emerging viruses and the immunopathology of viral diseases.

Research at the Center involves collecting and analyzing immune response data of various emerging viruses including COVID-19 at the cellular level, as well as analyzing cross-immunity arising from epitope similarities among various viruses, and heterologous immune responses that are driven by a separate mechanism (i.e. via cytokines).

In order to analyze the aging of the immune system, the Center investigates the cause of the differences in the immune response against viruses in children, adults, and elderly patients. Moreover, the Center will elucidate the immunological and pathophysiological roles of interferons, which have antiviral functions and at the same time triggers excessive inflammatory responses, to explore the potential of using cytokines as an antiviral.