Repository Overview
iCROWN collects specimens and clinical information from Research-Implementing Institutions and Semi-Research-Implementing Institutions and stores the prepared specimens, clinical information, and genome analysis information obtained from the specimens. These specimens and data can be utilized for research that elucidates pathogenesis, identifies factors contributing to aggravation and prognosis, improves diagnostic and treatment methods, and contributes to pharmaceutical development. By widely utilizing these specimens and data in various medical research and development activities, the goal is to promote advances in not only infectious diseases but also medicine in general.
Targeted Infectious Diseases
As of September 2025, the infectious diseases targeted by iCROWN are as follows:
- Severe acute respiratory infections (including Coronavirus disease 2019)
- Mpox
- Pediatric hepatitis of unknown etiology
- Priority infectious diseases*1
- Specimens collected through genomic surveillance at the time of entry into Japan*2
*1 At the 96th meeting of the Infectious Diseases Subcommittee of the Health and Science Council (June 12, 2025), the addition of Priority Infectious Diseases to the list of target infectious diseases was approved. The iCROWN Administrative Office will begin operations as soon as the specimen
collection system is in place.
*2 In addition, we accept specimens from other research projects, information obtained through the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's Surveillance Program upon Entry, and residual specimens.
Specimens and Data Collected in the iCROWN Repository
Available for infectious disease research on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
・Clinical Information
（Examples）
| Basic Clinical Information | ・Age ・Sex ・Demographics and comorbidities ・Height and weight ・Dates of first visit, admission, and symptom onset |
| Infectious Disease Information | ・Target disease test results ・Other pathogen test results ・Vaccination history |
| Hospitalization and Treatment Data | ・Symptoms at admission ・Clinical outcomes ・Treatments administered ・Hospitalization course (e.g., body temperature, SpO₂, heart rate) |
・Specimens
| ・Plasma ・PBMCs (Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells) ・Human DNA ・Saliva ・Swab specimens (nasopharyngeal, anterior nasal, throat, and skin lesion swabs) ・Stool samples |
・Human Genomic Analysis Data
| ・Raw sequencing data (FASTQ format)* ・Mapped sequencing data (CRAM format)* ・Genomic variant data (gVCF, VCF) * Available upon consultation. |