Topic: Preparation for the next pandemic (Disease X): the Hong Kong perspective

Speaker: Prof. Kwok Yung YUEN

Host: Prof. Davy CHENG

Date: Sunday, May 19th, 2024

Time: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Venue: W201, Administration Building

Language: English

Abstract:

Animal surveillance in Hong Kong SAR between 1997 to 2019 has identified many animal influenza viruses and over 30 novel coronaviruses (CoV). Some of these viruses or their close relatives have subsequently jump into humans several years later. This is best exemplified by the bat SARS related CoV found in 2005 which turns out to be the ancestral virus of 2003 SARS-CoV-1 and 2019 SARS-CoV-2. However, often only the full genome sequences of these 30 novel animal CoVs are available because the majority of them cannot be cultured in vitro.

We use adult stem cells harvested from bat intestinal tissue and human lung tissue for setting up three dimensional (3D) organoids for the isolation and characterization of some CoVs known to have health or public health significance. Multiplexed rapid diagnostic assay, broad spectrum antiviral, versatile vaccine platform, and reusable personal protective equipment are also important in preparedness against future pandemics.

Speaker Profile:

Prof. Kwok Yung YUEN

Academician, Chinese Academy of Engineering (Medicine and Health)

Fellow, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology

Co-director, State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases

Chair, Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong