INFLUENZA RESEARCH CENTER

The center conducts fundamental research on such as, but not limited to, characterization and mechanisms of pathogenesis, and surveillance and development of laboratory diagnostic methods for inf luenza virus. The center is also engaged in the development of egg-based inf luenza vaccine viruses. The center also performs application research for practical uses of cell-based inf luenza vaccines and mucosal inf luenza vaccines. The center has been designated as a Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Inf luenza, a National Inf luenza Center, an H5 Reference Laboratory, and an Essential Regulatory Laboratory by the World Health Organization (WHO).

LABORATORY OF INFLUENZA VIRUS SURVEILLANCE

The laboratory conducts surveillance of seasonal inf luenza viruses and of antiviral resistance inf luenza viruses isolated in Japan and neighboring countries as a National Inf luenza Center and as a WHO Collaborating Center. Research related to characterizations of inf luenza viruses is also conducted.

LABORATORY OF VACCINE SEED VIRUS DEVELOPMENT

The laboratory conducts the development of pandemic and seasonal inf luenza candidate vaccine viruses (CVVs) using embryonated chicken eggs, as well as the evaluation of their antigenicity and safety, Furthermore, it performes the development and evaluation of prepandemic vaccine strains using viruses with pandemic potential, and preparation and characterization of vaccine strains for seasonal inf luenza vaccine production.

LABORATORY OF CELL-BASED VACCINE DEVELOPMENT

The laboratory conducts application research for practical uses of cell-based inf luenza vaccines, development and evaluation of virus strains for cell-based vaccine production, and studies on the evaluation of antigenicity and immunogenicity of cell-based vaccines.

LABORATORY OF MUCOSAL VACCINE DEVELOPMENT

The laboratory conducts development of mucosal inf luenza vaccines and its application for the practical uses. Research on the safety, eff icacy and quality controls of the vaccines based on the animal model is also conducted.

LABORATORY OF QUALITY CONTROL OF INFLUENZA VACCINES

The laboratory conducts lot release tests for inf luenza vaccines, production of standard references required for quality control and lot release tests of inf luenza vaccines, and research required for these activities including relevant reference activities and training.

INFLUENZA RESEARCH CENTER Contents (Coming Soon)