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 acute respiratory viruses including influenza virus. The center is also engaged in the development of egg-based influenza vaccine viruses. The center also performs application research for practical uses of cell-based influenza vaccines and mucosal influenza vaccines.

The center has been designated as a Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza, a National Influenza 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 influenza viruses and of antiviral resistance influenza viruses isolated in Japan and neighboring countries as a National Influenza Center and as a WHO Collaborating Center. Research related to characterizations of influenza viruses are also conducted.

LABORATORY OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY VIRUS

The laboratory performs molecular and epidemiological studies for viruses that cause acute respiratory infections, such as, but not limited to, COVID-19, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and other respiratory infectious diseases (except for influenza). Studies toward the development of diagnostic methods and the elucidation of mechanisms of pathogenesis for these respiratory viruses are also conducted. In addition, the laboratory is responsible for the quality control of IFN products, and carries out investigations into the biochemical functions of cytokines (especially IFN) in viral infections.

LABORATORY OF VACCINE SEED VIRUS DEVELOPMENT

The laboratory conducts development of pandemic and seasonal influenza viruses for vaccine production using embryonated chicken eggs, its antigenicity and safety evaluation, development and evaluation of prepandemic vaccine strains using viruses with pandemic potential, and preparation and property analysis of vaccine strains for seasonal vaccine production.

LABORATORY OF CELL-BASED VACCINE DEVELOPMENT

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

LABORATORY OF MUCOSAL VACCINE DEVELOPMENT

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