Prof. Dr. Hiroki Kato

Ph.D.

Bio Summary

Prof. Hiroki Kato is a molecular immunologist with nearly two decades of research experience in antiviral innate immunity. His work focuses on the molecular mechanisms of RIG-I-like receptor (RLR)-mediated immune responses during viral infections and autoimmune diseases. He has uncovered key principles of viral RNA recognition by RIG-I and MDA5, demonstrated the cell type-specific role of RLR and TLR signaling in RNA virus infections, and established connections between RLR deficiencies, viral susceptibility, and autoimmunity. His team uses genetic models carrying patient-derived mutations to study pathological immune responses and explores therapeutic strategies targeting viral life cycles. Most recently, his research led to the identification of a potent compound that blocks immune evasion in Influenza A and B viruses.

After earning his PhD under immunology pioneer Prof. Shizuo Akira at Osaka University, Dr. Kato held a postdoctoral position at the University of Massachusetts Medical School with Nobel Laureate Prof. Craig Mello. He later became Associate Professor at Kyoto University before founding the Institute of Cardiovascular Immunology at the University of Bonn in 2018, where he now leads cutting-edge translational research at the intersection of virology and immunology.