Vaccine Research Delegation from Japan Visits VRC
Photo: Chia-Chi Charlie Chang
On Apr. 3, the Vaccine Research Center (VRC) hosted a delegation from Japan. Members affiliated with the Strategic Center of Biomedical Advanced Vaccine Research and Development for Preparedness and Response (SCARDA) in Japan’s Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) learned about the VRC’s pioneering research and activities.
The group tourred the VRC’s Bldg. 40 laboratories, during which they learned from VRC scientists about current research activities involving Nipah virus and influenza vaccine development.
Dr. Masaru Kanekiyo, chief of the VRC’s molecular immunoengineering section, discussed his influenza research program involving novel, mosaic nanoparticle-based, supraseasonal vaccine candidates designed to provide long-lasting protecting against multiple flu strains.
Lab staff from the VRC’s immunotechnology section demonstrated the use of probes to label and sort B cells as part of the isolation and development of therapeutic antibodies for Nipah virus.
The visit also included fruitful discussions about pandemic preparedness including a roundtable with delegation members, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases leadership, including NIAID Director Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo and VRC leaders.
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