Abstract

This book introduces not only the negative aspects of viruses as agents that cause disease, but also explores the following interesting aspects of viruses that the general public may not be familiar with:

The social phenomena caused by viral infections.
How social changes can trigger viral infections.
Beneficial viruses that provide advantages to their hosts.
The use of engineered viruses in the treatment of diseases.
The book is written in an accessible way to help readers deepen their understanding of viruses and infectious diseases. Rather than simply fearing viruses, it encourages readers to develop an interest in them and consider how we can live with them.

Author’s Information

Director of the International Research Center for Infectious Diseases at the Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo.
Head of the Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, and Director of the Asian Infectious Disease Research Hub at the same institute.

He obtained a Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine after completing his doctoral studies at the University of Tokyo Graduate School. His field of expertise is virology.

His research focuses on fundamental strategic studies exploring key virological questions, such as how viruses replicate and cause disease. Additionally, he conducts translational research aimed at developing new vaccines and antiviral drugs directly linked to controlling viral infections.