Korea VirusResearch Institute

Immune cells are tied to the metabolic constraints of the tissues they inhabit. So, metabolic reprogramming of immune cells within specific tissues plays a significant role in modulating immune function and tissue damage. Center for Viral Immunology aims to investigate how viral challenges remodel the metabolic microenvironment of key barrier sites such as the lung, gut, skin, and dura. We will explore how metabolic pathways in the tissue microenvironment shape the plasticity and polyfunctionality of immune cells, and how these processes contribute to tissue damage or resolution.

To decipher these localized immune responses, we focus on four strategic pillars:

• 1) Investigating metabolic rewiring of immune cells in the mucosal tissues during viral infection.
• 2) Identifying neuro-immune network in the dura for anti-viral immunity.
• 3) Exploring the mechanisms for T cell polyfunctionality acquired in tissues.
• 4) Targeting immunometabolism to control antiviral immunity& tissue damage.