Takashi Fujita, Ph.D.

Takashi Fujita, Ph.D.

JAPAN
Kyoto University

Dr. Fujita is Professor of Molecular Genetics at Kyoto University’s Institute for Virus Research.  He received his B.A. in Biology in 1977 and his Ph.D. in Biology in 1982; both at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. Dr. Fujita’s lab discovered that an RNA helicase, RIG-I, functions as such a sensor. The laboratory is working to clarify the molecular mechanism underlying the antiviral innate immunity regulated by RIG-I, and to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for viral infections and cancer.

Michael Gale, Ph.D.

Michael Gale, Ph.D.

USA
University of Washington

Dr. Michael Gale, Jr.is Professor in the Department of Immunology at the University of Washington in Seattle.  He also serves as Adjunct Professor in Microbiology and Global Health as well as Affiliate Investigator in the Clinical Research Division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.  Dr. Gale received his training at the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine. He served on the faculty of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center until joining the University of Washington in 2007.

Dr. Gale is a formally trained molecular virologist and specialist in virus signaling, interferon biology and innate intracellular immunity to virus infection. He has studied the virology and viral immunology of herpes viruses, retroviruses, including HIV and SIV, influenza virus, hepatitis C virus, and West Nile virus.