Martina Schroeder

Martina Schroeder is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biosciences at Maynooth University, within the Faculty of Science & Engineering. Her research focuses on host-pathogen interactions, particularly the role of innate immunity in detecting viral pathogens and viral strategies to evade immune responses. She leads the Host-Pathogen Interaction Lab, investigating mechanisms such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), RIG-like helicases (RLHs), and the DEAD-box helicase DDX3.

Education includes a PhD from Humboldt-University (Charité) in Berlin (1999-2003), followed by postdoctoral research at Trinity College Dublin (2003-2007). Her work spans viral immune evasion, interferon regulation, and DDX3's dual roles in antiviral defense and viral replication.

Research interests emphasize viral manipulation of host proteins like DDX3, with implications for antiviral drug design. Key topics include HIV, HCV, and poxvirus interactions with host pathways, as well as DDX3's involvement in cell growth and translational control.

Publications highlight DDX3's multifaceted functions, including its role in estrogen receptor interactions, mRNA translation, and inflammasome regulation. Her work bridges molecular mechanisms with clinical applications, aiming to combat viral infections through targeted therapies.

Professional affiliations include the Irish Society of Immunology, where she contributes to immunology research and education initiatives.