Tohoku University · Medicine
Professor Mayuko Saito's research lab focuses on the virology and immunology of human noroviruses and sapoviruses, particularly their transmission dynamics and host immune responses in young children. The lab investigates genotype-specific immunity following serial infections, aiming to inform the development of effective multivalent vaccines. A key emphasis is on the role of maternal antibodies, especially secretory IgA in breast milk, in protecting infants from severe disease. The lab integrates epidemiological, virological, and serological approaches to understand viral diversity and host interactions in community settings.
Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.
Norovirus infection occurs early in life and children experience serial infections with multiple genotypes, suggesting genotype-specific immunity. An effective vaccine would have a substantial impact on morbidity, but may need to target multiple genotypes.
Sapovirus was frequently detected in children with AGE at the community level during the first 2 years of life. Serial sapovirus infections by multiple genotypes in a child suggest genotype-specific immunity from each infection, which needs to be taken into account for vaccine development.
Mothers with high positivity rates and titers of NV-IgA in breast milk had NV infected infants with reduced diarrheal symptoms. Antigenic relatedness to the genetic diversity of human norovirus was suggested.Funding National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health: 1R01AI108695-01A1 and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (Fostering Joint International Research B):19KK0241.
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