We are conducting research on laboratory diagnosis, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and prevention of infectious diseases caused by measles virus, rubella virus, and mumps virus. In addition to the above-mentioned infectious diseases, we also conduct lot release tests for vaccines against influenza and respiratory viruses (coronavirus [SARS-CoV-2]), and prepare and supply standard and reference products. Our laboratory has been designated as a Global Specialized Laboratory [GSL] for Measles and Rubella by the World Health Organization (WHO), and is cooperating in measles and rubella control measures in Japan and around the world. In collaboration with related organizations around the world, our laboratory is cooperating in the establishment of international standard reagents for influenza vaccine potency assay.

LABORATORY OF MEASLES VIRUS

This laboratory conducts lot release tests for measles vaccines and measles and rubella combined vaccines, and research on their quality control. The laboratory also develops laboratory diagnostic methods for measles, distributes diagnostic standards, and analyzes endemic measles virus strains. We are also conducting basic research on the pathogenicity of measles virus and the properties of measles vaccines. Together with the laboratory of rubella virus, we are engaged in international cooperation as a WHO GSL, including the development of new technologies and training in laboratory diagnosis for measles.

LABORATORY OF RUBELLA VIRUS

This laboratory conducts lot release tests for rubella vaccines and research on their quality control. The laboratory also conducts pre-approval testing of in vitro diagnostic products for rubella, and prepares and maintains reference products such as antibody panels for use in such testing. The laboratory is also engaged in the development of laboratory diagnostic methods for rubella, analysis of endemic rubella virus strains, and basic research on the pathogenicity of rubella virus and the properties of rubella vaccines. Together with laboratory of measles virus, we act as a WHO GSL, including the development of new technologies and training in laboratory diagnosis for rubella.

LABORATORY OF MUMPS VIRUS

This laboratory conducts lot release tests for mumps vaccines and research on their quality control. The laboratory also conducts research on the development of new mumps vaccines and anti-mumps drugs, analysis of epidemic mumps virus strains, and basic research on the mechanisms of mumps virus replication and pathogenicity

LABORATORY OF QUALITY CONTROL OF INFLUENZA VACCINES

This laboratory conducts lot release tests for influenza vaccines and research on their quality control as well as basic research on influenza. We are also working with relevant organizations around the world to develop an international response to pandemic influenza and to establish international standard reagents for influenza vaccine potency assay.

LABORATORY OF RESPIRATORY VIRUS VACCINES

This laboratory conducts lot release tests for respiratory virus vaccines (coronavirus, etc.) and research on their quality control. The laboratory also conducts basic research on respiratory viruses other than influenza viruses.