Korea VirusResearch Institute

Research Contents

Main Purpose

The Disease-X and Neglected Virus Team investigates unknown and hard-to-culture viruses, including potential Disease-X candidates, to define their host range, receptor specificity, and pathogenic potential. The ultimate goal is to assess zoonotic risks and build predictive models that support preparedness for future outbreaks.

Our Research Focus (What We Study)

1. Virome Studies in Animals and Humans
Evaluate viral diversity, distribution, and frequency in animals and humans, and use phylogenetics to reconstruct transmission dynamics.

2. Disease-X Candidates
Characterize potential pandemic pathogens through genomic profiling, host interactions, and transmission potential.

3. Unculturable and Neglected Viruses
Investigate overlooked or difficult-to-culture viruses to reveal hidden threats and expand understanding of pathogenic potential.

4. High-Risk Spillover Models
Use representative viruses (bunyaviruses, avian influenza, emerging respiratory viruses) to study spillover, adaptation, and pandemic potential.

5. Pandemic Preparedness and Risk Assessment
Integrate virome data, infection models, and phylogenetic insights to create predictive frameworks for zoonotic risk assessment and global surveillance.

Our Research Approach (How We Study)

• Virome Analysis & Phylogenetics
  Viral meta- and transcriptomics are applied to explore viral diversity and reconstruct evolutionary and transmission dynamics across hosts.
• Organoid and Cell-based Virus Isolation
  Organoid platforms and primary cell cultures enable the isolation and study of hard-to-culture viruses, allowing detailed analysis of viral tropism, replication, and pathogenicity under near-physiological conditions.