Research in the department is directed to investi gations of biological characterization and pathogenesis of the following viruses; diarrhea viruses (Norovirus, Sapovirus, etc.), enteroviruses, poxviruses, tumor viruses (papillomaviruses, polyomaviruses, etc.) and hepatitis viruses. Tumorigenesis in relation to viral infection is also studied in the department. Develop ments of new vaccines and diagnostics for these viral diseases are included in the main lines of research. Research projects using various viral vectors (baculovirus, adenovirus, vesicular stomatitis virus, vaccinia virus etc.) are on going. The department is assigned for both national- and international reference laboratories.

LABORATORY OF GASTROENTERITIS VIRUSES

1. Research on molecular diagnosis and molecular epidemiology of diarrheal viruses
2. Research on prevention of viral gastroenteritis and antiviral therapy
3. Molecular biological analysis of diarrheal viruses
4. Research and quality control of polio vaccines
5. Quality control of rotavirus vaccines and research on novel rotavirus vaccines

LABORATORY OF ENTEROVIRUSES

1. Laboratory diagnosis and molecular epidemiological analysis for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative
2. Virological and epidemiological analysis of vaccine-derived polioviruses
3. Laboratory diagnosis and reference activities for enterovirus infections
4. Molecular virological studies on the pathogenicity of polio and enteroviruses

LABORATORY OF TUMOR VIRUSES

1. Molecular studies on hepatocarcinogenesis of hepatitis viruses B and C
2. Preparation of reference panel specimens of hepatitis viruses B and C
3. Molecular studies on carcinogenesis of human cancer-related viruses

LABORATORY OF HEPATITIS VIRUSES I

1. Molecular virology and epidemiology of hepatitis viruses, mainly blood borne hepatitis viruses
2. Isolation and characterization of novel hepatitis viruses
3. Follow-up project to encourage consultation and treatment of persons positive for hepatitis virus test

LABORATORY OF HEPATITIS VIRUSES II

1. Molecular pathogenesis and etiological studies on enterically transmitted hepatitis viruses
2. Research on surveillance, diagnosis and prevention of the infection of enterically transmitted hepatitis viruses
3. Quality assurance and studies of hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines