Taiwan's Key Defender Against Emerging Infectious Diseases - Interview with Dr. Guann-Yi Yu from the National Health Research Institutes News Link (chinese only)
Foreword of Journalist
Stepping foot into the National Health Research Institutes (referred to as NHRI) for the first time, it was a rare opportunity to get a glimpse of the mysterious virus research space amidst the ongoing pandemic. However, at every step, one couldn't help but notice the prominent “biological hazard” signs, along with a glimpse of the unused P3 laboratory. Although Dr. Guann-Yi Yu spoke softly about her daily research, every word painted a vivid picture in my mind of her and her colleagues battling the virus in the context of the pandemic. If we say "epidemic prevention is like warfare," then Dr. Yu is undoubtedly an epidemic warrior!
Image 1: Aassociate investigator Guann-Yi Yu photographed at the laboratory of the NHRI. (Photo by journalist Ms. Lin)
The Challenges of Virus Research and Advancing into P3 Laboratories
From 2019 to the present (2023), the world has been grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, it was a privilege to visit the NHRI and consult with a virus expert like Dr. Yu.
Dr. Yu, in her calm and composed manner, discussed her research: "My expertise is in viruses, and lately, I've been conducting a characterization analysis of the spike protein of the novel coronavirus. There are many intriguing aspects, such as why Delta is more virulent than Omicron? What is the biochemical basis for their differences and toxicities?"
Talking about virulence, Guann-Yi explained that as researchers, they must approach their work from the virus's perspective, dissecting the differences between various viruses and studying the key factors that lead to the spread of epidemics. Only by doing so can they develop effective prevention and control strategies. For example, since the novel coronavirus targets the human ACE2 receptor via its spike protein, researchers need to clarify its structure and design more stable antigens and immunity.
While most people are cautious about viruses, these researchers are fully equipped to work with live viruses in the P3 laboratory. Only 10 individuals at NHRI are certified to work in P3 labs, and two of them are on Guann-Yi's team. It was indeed astonishing to hear about “mobile P3 laboratories” when collaborating with the Malaysian team.
Note: P3 laboratory refers to a laboratory used for handling biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) pathogens.
From Dengue Fever to the COVID-19 Pandemic - Taiwan and Malaysia Join Forces in Epidemic Prevention
Professor Sazaly Abu Bakar from the Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC) at the University of Malaya has a mobile P3 laboratory team that has been closely collaborating with NHRI, National Taiwan University, Kaohsiung Medical University, and Yang Ming Chiao Tung University since 2018. Taiwan and Malaysia have collaborated extensively on research related to Zika virus, dengue fever, the invasion of the novel coronavirus, virus-host interactions, and organ failure. Guann-Yi started by discussing the Zika virus, which was previously active in Brazil. Infections during pregnancy can lead to fetal abnormalities and microcephaly. Taiwan faced concerns about imported cases, leading to significant government attention. The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control at the Ministry of Health and Welfare worked at airports to prevent its spread. Meanwhile, the National Mosquito-Borne Diseases Control Research Center (NMDC) in NHRI collaborated with Professor Sazaly's team, who had expertise in disease vectors, to study disease transmission and viral pathogenesis using animal models.
Regarding the potential transmission of dengue and Zika viruses by Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito) in Taiwan, Professor Shin-Hong Shiao from National Taiwan University discovered that introducing specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) into mosquitoes could inhibit viral replication and reduce egg-laying by infected female mosquitoes. To ensure more mosquitoes come into contact with siRNAs, harmless Escherichia coli (E. coli) were engineered to carry siRNAs and sprayed in areas where disease-carrying mosquitoes breed. This exciting research, which was also conducted in Malaysia, showed a specific reduction in pathogenic molecules within yellow fever mosquitoes.
Guann-Yi added, “The necessity of cross-national testing is to confirm its 'specificity.' Just like humans, mosquitoes have sequence-specificity for siRNAs, which target only yellow fever mosquitoes. Disrupting their ecosystem too much could have unintended consequences. Mosquitoes play a role in the environment, and eradicating them entirely would bring about significant changes in the world.”
Building a Virus Bank Amidst the Pandemic – National Infectious Diseases Bank
Continuing the discussion on "specificity", Guann-Yi mentioned that the global pandemic forced a rethink of many response models, including virus research. It's difficult to imagine that NHRI researchers take two to three months or even longer to purchase a virus. There were variables at every step, from application hurdles to international flight suspensions during the pandemic. Moreover, developing diagnostic reagents and verifying specificity required preparations with other viruses. When any of material was not available promptly, experiments came to a halt.
Therefore, in 2022, the Ministry of Health and Welfare tasked NHRI with better preparing for present and future infectious diseases by building an "infectious diseases bank" to collect viruses, and that is National Infectious Diseases Bank (NIDB). Similar to an ark of seeds with advanced storage methods, this bank allows research teams to access necessary materials without searching extensively and minimizes the risk of obtaining the wrong virus, which could delay virus research or vaccine development. Just as storing seeds on an ark is for the hope of future growth, storing viruses is for early prevention.
Combating Ever-Changing Viruses Through Regional Cooperation Amid Climate Change
Exploring the "Taiwan Key Emerging Infectious Disease Research Program" supported by the National Science and Technology Council, research themes include viruses such as the novel coronavirus, vector-borne viruses (dengue and chikungunya viruses). However, regardless of whether these diseases have appeared in Taiwan, any emerging infectious diseases that the WHO issues warnings about are a major focus for these epidemic warriors. Particularly, Southeast Asian countries face the Zika virus and the Nipah virus, which has a high fatality rate of up to 50-70%.
The Nipah virus in Taiwan is divided into two strains - the Bangladesh strain and the Malaysia strain. Guann-Yi explained, “The source of the Malaysia strain was identified by the University of Malaya. It is primarily associated with bats roosting on date palm trees. Humans or pigs might get infected by consuming date palm sap or fruits contaminated by virus-carrying bats. The virus can also be transmitted from pigs to humans, creating a pathway for viral spread. This year, we invited Professor Sazaly to Taiwan to give a lecture on the Nipah virus.”
In conclusion, Guann-Yi emphasized that dengue fever presents new outbreaks in Taiwan every year, but the situation usually improves during the winter season. However, under climate change, variations in seasons, temperature, and rainfall can affect the emergence of different viruses. Therefore, in addition to building our own infectious diseases bank and establishing long-term research alliances abroad, these efforts are all aimed at swiftly finding solutions in case of an epidemic. Thus, regional cooperation and regional security go beyond strategic considerations. When facing invisible viruses, strong academic and research partnerships are essential for collective defense.
Image 2: Team members conducting virus research. (Photo by journalist Ms. Lin)
Image 3: Dr. Sazaly from the University of Malaya's team (on the right) visiting Taiwan for exchange. (Provided by Guann-Yi Yu)
Upload date：31 Jan, 2023
