Member

Affiliation: Associate Professor
High School: Namiki High School (Ibaraki Prefecture)
Research Focus: Understanding virus–host specificity through molecular virology
Background: Became a veterinarian because of a love for cats and has been researching viruses since graduate school. Enjoys engineering viruses to create mutants and fluorescent variants. Aims to develop means of controlling and treating viral infections in humans and animals.
Links:
- Researchmap: researchmap.jp/read0156003
- KAKEN ID: nrid.nii.ac.jp/ja/nrid/1000030621792
- X: @saiaka3

Origin: China
Research Focus: Animal disease diagnosis and vaccine development
Background: Visitor scholar from China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center. Before joining, obtained a veterinary doctorate from Nanjing Agricultural University. Focuses on diagnostic methods and subunit vaccine development for animal diseases. Currently learning in Saito Lab and looking forward to collaborating with the team.

Origin: Indonesia
Research Focus: Pathogenesis of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV)
Background: A PhD student at the University of Miyazaki and an Indonesian government officer. Researches PRRSV pathogenesis, focusing on reverse genetics and GP5 protein analysis to understand immune evasion and persistence mechanisms. Aims to contribute globally to PRRSV knowledge and promote collaboration between Japan and Indonesia in veterinary science.

Origin: Thailand
Research Focus: Identification of the receptor for Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV) using a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 library and its application in diagnostics and research
Background: Previously worked as a veterinary officer in Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development’s animal diagnostics laboratory. Now pursuing a PhD at the University of Miyazaki, applying extensive diagnostic experience toward identifying LSDV receptor.

Research Focus: Detecting PRSV (porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus) and BVDV (bovine viral diarrhea virus) from pig and cattle skin secretions
Message: Thanks and looking forward to working together!

High School: Ōtemae High School (Osaka Prefecture)
Research Focus:
- Former: Capsid protein characteristics of circovirus
- Current: Feline infectious peritonitis virus and feline parvovirus
Activities: Milk volunteer; releases cats into the professor’s room from spring to autumn
Fun fact: Favorite onigiri (rice ball) filling is mayo-based

High School: Nagasaki West High School (Nagasaki Prefecture)
Research Focus: Genetic and functional diversity of the antiretroviral host factor TRIM5 in bovines
Interests: Loves playing and watching sports—has played soccer, swimming, soft tennis, and rugby
Attitude: Ready to tackle anything

Origin: Nagasaki Prefecture
Research Focus: Cat hepadnavirus and its receptor
Background: Fourth-year veterinary student interested in feline viruses, conducting research under Prof. Saito’s supervision. Aspires to contribute to cat medicine using what she learns in the lab.
Hobby: Enjoys watching ballet

High School: Tsurumaru High School (Kagoshima Prefecture)
Research Focus:
- Establishing diagnostic methods for feline viral infections
- Epidemiological surveys of livestock retroviruses in Japan
- Degradation of the Smc5/6 complex by mammalian hepatitis B virus X protein
- Expression of TMPRSS2 in equine cells
- “Kick and kill” strategies in HIV therapy
Background: Became fascinated by virology through microbiology classes and has been researching under Prof. Saito since around summer 2024. Finds it fascinating to anticipate what may be revealed by data and to think creatively about experimental approaches. Aspires to continue research abroad in the future.
Hobby: Learning languages—especially interested in French!

Laboratory: Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki (Saito Lab)
Address: 1-1 Gakuen Kibanadai Nishi, Miyazaki City, 889-2192, Japan
Telephone: +81-985-58-7275