Korea VirusResearch Institute

Research Contents

Main Purpose

The Viral Control Technology Team is committed to developing universal countermeasures against emerging viral threats. Our mission is to create next-generation vaccine platforms and broad-spectrum antivirals that target key stages of the viral life cycle. By integrating multiple approaches, we translate fundamental discoveries into practical vaccines and therapeutics, strengthening preparedness for future pandemics.

Our Research Focus (What We Study)

1. Vaccine Platform Development
Advance saRNA and virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines to provide rapid, scalable, and universal protection.

2. Discovery of Antiviral Candidates
Systematic screening of replication inhibitors in in vivo emerging virus models is performed to identify compounds that block essential stages of the viral life cycle.

3. Nuclease Abzyme Engineering
Design RNA-hydrolyzing enzymes to degrade viral RNA and suppress replication.

4. Mini-Protein Design
Use computational and AI-based modeling to create mini-proteins that disrupt viral–host interactions and inhibit polymerase activity.

5. Cap-Snatching Inhibitors
Apply structure-guided drug design and screening to develop inhibitors targeting viral polymerase complexes.

Our Research Approach (How We Study)

• Vaccine and Antiviral Candidates
  Development of next-generation vaccine platforms, such as self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines, alongside broad-spectrum antiviral candidates to establish scalable and universal countermeasures.
• Multi-Platform Integration
  Combining strategies—including nuclease abzymes, AI-assisted mini-proteins, and small-molecule inhibitors—to target multiple stages of the viral life cycle, accelerating discovery and reducing dependence on a single modality.