Project title
探查台灣新興感染症病毒的致病機轉並發展具有臨床診斷及治療之應用平台-探查台灣新興感染症病毒的致病機轉並發展具有臨床診斷及治療之應用平台 (II)
Internal ID
NSTC114-2327-B002-006
Principal Investigator
Start Date
March 1, 2025
End Date
December 31, 2025
Investigators
Organizations
Partner Organizations
To Investigate Taiwan's Emerging Infectious Viruses and Develop Diagnostic and Therapeutic Platforms for Clinical Application (II)
Description
Amidst the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Taiwan currently faces the challenges of a low birth rate and an aging population. Respiratory and enteric viruses pose significant threats, especially to infants, young children, the immunocompromised, and the elderly. This integrated project aims to address the existing gaps in the study of emerging viruses and accelerate the development of in vitro diagnostics, antiviral drugs, and vaccines. The research focus includes: (1) Deepening the understanding of the basic virology of emerging viruses and their variants of concern. (2) Characterizing host and viral factors that promote viral survival and immune evasion. (3) Developing genetic tools and molecular resources, such as infectious clones and replicons, to delineate virus biology. (4) Developing infectious animal models to understand the pathogenesis and for preclinical trials of antiviral drugs and candidate vaccines. (5) Advancing structural biology studies to elucidate T-cell and antibody epitopes and the detailed structures of viral immunologic targets. (6) Investigating the immune landscape studies to identify and characterize T-cell immunity and antibody responses, both in animal models and humans post-infection or vaccination. The sixth topic encompasses cross-protective immunity, assay development to identify and characterize immune correlates of protection, testing of adjuvants and alternative delivery methods to enhance the breadth and durability of protective immunity, as well as testing of vaccine candidates in animal models and within diverse populations, especially among infants, young children, and the elderly. Currently, the five sub-projects are led by a team comprising an experienced viral immunologist, two clinical research physicians, and two young molecular virologists. These experts specialize in the establishment of infectious animal models, development of in vitro diagnostics, development of antiviral immunotherapy, T-cell immunity, antibody generation, development of genetic tools and molecular resources, and the study of RNA modifications. We hope that this integrated project, which combines basic virus research with human studies, can cultivate potential scientists in the field of infectious disease and enhance our country’s preparedness for future epidemic and pandemic infectious diseases.