Understanding COVID-19: History, Research, and Countermeasures - March 2021

Learn about viruses, immunity, and COVID-19 in this Japanese lecture from Professor Yoshio Koyanagi of Kyoto University's Institute for Virus and Regenerative Medicine. Explore the history of human-virus interactions, drawing from the speaker's extensive experience researching human leukemia viruses and HIV. Gain insights into viral diseases, vaccine development, and therapeutic approaches, with a special focus on the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow along as the lecture covers virus research fundamentals, disappearing and persistent viruses, global infection and mortality statistics, immune responses to viral mutations, testing protocols, vaccination strategies, and preventive measures. Delivered at the 16th Kyoto University Research Institute and Center Symposium in Kumamoto, this comprehensive presentation offers valuable perspectives on managing viral threats and preparing for future pandemics.