Hideki Hasegawa, MD, PhD
- Director, WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza
- Director, Research Center for Influenza and Respiratory Viruses, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
- Director, GVN Center of Excellence
Dr. Hasegawa focuses on the pathology of emerging infectious diseases and in particular mucosal immune responses to respiratory diseases, with a primary focus on influenza virus infection and prevention. His research interest lies in elucidating the pathological mechanisms of infectious diseases and developing preventive methods specific to the pathogenesis of each disease. He has devoted significant effort to the development of mucosal vaccines targeting acute respiratory infections, including influenza, and the fundamental understanding of their mechanisms. Dr. Hasegawa has conducted many studies on the character of secretory IgA antibodies in the upper respiratory tract system. This research has significantly contributed to the understanding of the functional mechanisms behind influenza virus infection prevention and vaccine effectiveness. The vaccine he recently developed is currently undergoing final approval. In addition, Dr. Hasegawa initiated and leads the development of studies of a recombinant protein vaccine for COVID-19.
Dr. Hasegawa's other notable contributions include the establishment of an animal model for Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATLL) caused by Human T Lymphotropic Virus type 1 (HTLV-1). This model has since become globally recognized and widely used for drug validation. Additionally, he identified unique pathological features of the pandemic influenza virus in 2009, H7N9 avian influenza virus in 2013, and the newly emerging infectious disease termed "Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome" (SFTS) caused by a new emerging Bunyavirus in 2014.