Sonia Navas-Martin

Sonia Navas-Martin is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Drexel University College of Medicine. She holds a PhD from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (1997). Her research focuses on innate immunity mechanisms during viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases, with emphasis on CNS pathologies and cellular senescence.

Education:

• PhD in Microbiology & Immunology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (1997)

Research Interests: Dr. Navas-Martin investigates how innate immune pathways contribute to immunopathology in viral infections (e.g., coronaviruses), neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Her work combines molecular biology, immunology, and animal models to identify therapeutic targets. Key areas include:

• Microglial responses to viral pathogens
• Role of non-coding RNAs (e.g., miRNAs) in immune regulation
• Cellular senescence in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders
• Cross-talk between TLR signaling and viral replication

Publications: Her recent work includes studies on SARS-CoV-2 antiviral strategies, microglial antiviral mechanisms, and HIV-HCV co-infection dynamics. The articles reflect a focus on innate immunity modulation, viral pathogenesis, and translational therapies.

Awards:

• Curator, American Society for Microbiology’s COVID-19 Research Registry

Grants & Mentorship: She oversees an NIH-funded neuroimmunology graduate position and mentors students in scientific excellence. Her lab is known for collaborative, open research environments fostering innovation.

Labs & Teams: Active in the Institute for Molecular Medicine & Infectious Disease at Drexel, collaborating on coronavirus immunology and SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic development. Her research integrates virology, immunology, and neurobiology to address critical gaps in understanding viral CNS pathogenesis.