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Viruses are extremely small entities, yet they cause a wide range of diseases. However, effective preventive and therapeutic measures remain limited for many viral infections. In addition, the emergence of new pathogenic viruses continues to occur, and previously known viruses are sometimes “rediscovered” as causes of newly recognized diseases.

Compared with the human genome, viral genomes contain far fewer genes and are composed of relatively simple structures. Nevertheless, viruses make use of cellular mechanisms, replicate themselves, and cause disease. Detailed analyses reveal that the mechanisms by which viruses replicate are remarkably sophisticated, refined, and biologically rational. Viral infection also induces dramatic changes in cells that are not usually observed under normal conditions.

In our laboratory, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms by which viruses modify cells, replicate, and cause disease at the molecular level. We believe that explaining how viruses replicate and cause disease based on biological principles will lead to the development of better preventive and therapeutic strategies for viral infections. We also believe that a deeper understanding of virus-induced phenomena can provide opportunities to discover previously unknown cellular mechanisms and biological processes.

Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in our research. We welcome anyone who is interested in viruses and motivated to take on research challenges, regardless of their background. Let us work together to open new frontiers in virology.

Jun Arii, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Virology
Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University