About
Research
Overview
In the Iwasaki Laboratory, we focus on understanding how viruses infect the host through the mucosal surfaces to cause diseases, how the immune system deals with viral infections within these local tissues, how acute infections lead to long-term diseases, and to use such insights to design vaccines and therapeutics against acute & chronic viral diseases, post-viral diseases, autoimmunity, and cancer. We study immune responses to a variety of viruses including herpes simplex viruses, Zika virus, influenza viruses, rhinoviruses, and retroviruses - with the most recent focus on SARS-CoV-2. Our studies have led to the development of mucosal vaccines that can prevent infection, transmission, and recurrent diseases.
Our research addresses mechanisms of innate immune recognition of viruses and initiation of adaptive antiviral immunity, particularly at the natural site of virus encounter at the mucosal surfaces. Basic insights gained from studying the natural immune protective mechanisms help propel better vaccine designs. On the other hand, when the immune system fails to successfully deal with the pathogens, downstream consequences include the development of infectious diseases, autoimmunity, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. For specific projects being carried out in this laboratory, please click on the links below.
Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Academic Achievements and Community Involvement
Links & Media
News
- August 09, 2024Source: Fortune
Long COVID is still a problem, racking up a global cost of $1 trillion
- July 29, 2024Source: Yale News
What Shapes a Virus’s Pandemic Potential? SARS-CoV-2 Relatives Yield Clues
- July 23, 2024
Innovations in Immunology
- July 22, 2024
New Evidence Supports Autoimmunity as One of Long COVID’s Underlying Drivers