Shanghai, China – January 29, 2026 – The National Major Science and Technology Project for the Prevention and Control of Emerging, Re-emerging, and Major Infectious Diseases — titled "Basic and Applied Research on Trained Immunity in the Prevention and Control of Emerging, Re-emerging, and Major Infectious Diseases" (hereinafter referred to as the "Project"), led by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, was officially launched in Shanghai. This project brings together multiple institutions including Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Fudan University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai General Hospital, and AlphaNa Bioscience Company Limited (hereinafter referred to as the " AlphaNa Bioscience ") etc. It focuses on collaborative research into key common technologies related to trained immunity for the prevention and control of infectious diseases, aiming to establish a comprehensive research pathway from basic research to clinical translation, thereby providing next-generation technological support and strategic reserves for addressing such public health threats.
Trained immunity has emerged as one of the most dynamic frontiers in modern immunology. Unlike traditional approaches that primarily induce specific immune cells and antibodies to confer immune protection, trained immunity refers to the capacity of innate immune cells to exhibit memory-like functions. This mechanism provides broader, non-specific protection against diverse pathogens, enabling individuals with trained immunity to mount a rapid and generalized defense against a wide range of pathogens upon re-exposure. The collaborative research team will focus on cutting-edge theories and shared technologies of immune training in the context of the prevention and control of infectious diseases. The project will conduct systematic and coordinated research across five interlinked sub-projects, advancing work from molecular discovery and mechanistic studies to translational development and clinical validation, with the goal of achieving breakthroughs in both the theory and technology of trained immunity.
As a core participating organization, AlphaNa Bioscience is leading a key sub-project titled "Strategies Targeting Transmission Pathways to Enhance Trained Immunity Against Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases." The company specializes in the development of innovative RNA-based therapeutics and, through its proprietary TALENT? technology platform, has advanced multiple pipelines into critical clinical stages. The TALENT? platform is distinguished by its high targeting specificity, potent immune activation, and tunable regulation, supporting the development of next-generation solutions for the prevention and control of infectious diseases. This project marks the seventh national-level grant in which AlphaNa Bioscience has participated since its founding in 2021.
"AlphaNa has consistently contributed to national research initiatives, strategically focusing on our core pillars: in vivo Cell Engineering, Next-Generation Nucleic Acid Therapeutics, and Novel Vaccines," said Mr. YANG Yi, Executive Vice President of AlphaNa Bioscience. "We are honored to be part of this Project. We will fully leverage our expertise and technical capabilities in RNA technology, collaborating closely with leading research and clinical partners. Our commitment is to advance the project's goals and translate pioneering scientific insights into innovative technologies that support national public health security."
