Saumen Sarkar

Dr. Saumen Sarkar is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with an additional appointment in the Program in Oncology. His research focuses on innate immune signaling during viral infections and cancer, particularly mechanisms of type I interferon (IFN) induction and modulation by host components like the OAS family genes. He has authored over 77 publications spanning virology, immunology, and molecular biology.

• Education: PhD in Molecular Biophysics (Indian Institute of Science), MSc in Biophysics (University of Calcutta), BSc (University of Calcutta)

His work explores the dual antiviral and antibacterial functions of OAS1, interactions between RIG-I and OASL, and the role of interferon regulatory factors in tumor progression and immunotherapy. Key contributions include elucidating how OASL enhances RIG-I signaling and identifying novel immune-modulating roles for TLR3 tyrosine residues.

Recent publications (2024) highlight OAS1's mechanisms in translational shutdown during viral infection and its newly discovered antibacterial functions via IRF1. Earlier work (2019-2010) addresses DNA virus immune evasion, MAVS regulation, and translational research in head/neck cancers.

Dr. Sarkar's research integrates structural biology (e.g., 2003 OAS crystal structure) and systems approaches (2024 cell-type-specific networks) to understand host-pathogen interactions and tumor immunity.