Korea VirusResearch Institute

Research Contents

Main Purpose

The Virus and One Health Research Team aims to understand how novel viruses emerge and transmit within animal populations and across the animal–human interface.

Our Research Focus (What We Study)

1. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses (H5N1, H5N8, H9N2)
Identify viral traits driving zoonotic transmission and pandemic potential, supporting improved monitoring and prevention strategies.

2. Rodent- and Tick-borne Bunyaviruses (SFTSV, Hantaviruses)
Explore survival, transmission, and spillover dynamics using genomic tools and animal studies to predict outbreaks and inform control measures.

3. Emerging Respiratory Viruses (SARS-CoV-2, Disease-X)
Apply advanced transcriptomic technologies to map infection and immune responses, strengthening preparedness for future pandemic threats.

Our Research Approach (How We Study)

• Animal Models & Mechanistic Studies
  Rodents, ferrets, and avian hosts are used to investigate viral adaptation, transmission, and immune evasion. Pathogenesis is validated by monitoring viral replication, tissue tropism, clinical outcomes, and immune responses, allowing us to reproduce natural disease phenotypes and identify mechanisms of severe infection and cross-species transmission.
• Single-Cell & Spatial Genomics
  Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial genomics reveal how viruses adapt to new hosts and cross species barriers. Extending these analyses to human tissues enables systematic mapping of infection progression and immune responses, providing insights for therapeutic interventions.