Monica Miranda Saksena
Dr
monica.saksena@wimr.org.au

Biography
Dr Miranda-Saksena is a senior research scientist at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research where she leads the herpes neuropathogenesis group. Her research focuses on the elucidation of the mechanisms of Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) transport and exit from sensory nerves to define how HSV-1 spreads from nerves to the skin or mucosa during recurrent herpes. Her work aims to develop new antiviral strategies for the treatment and control of recurrent herpes. Her lab has established several in vitro models for HSV-1 infection of primary human and rat sensory neurons for in vitro viral and nerve imaging including confocal, electron and immunoelectron microscopy, proteomics and molecular virology.
Research interests
- Mechanisms of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) Transport and Exit in Sensory Neurons: Investigating how HSV-1 navigates within sensory nerves to spread from nerves to the skin or mucosa during recurrent infections.
- Development of Antiviral Strategies: Aiming to create new treatments and control methods for recurrent herpes by understanding viral behavior and host interactions.
- Virus-Host Cytoskeletal Interactions: Exploring how HSV-1 exploits the host’s cytoskeleton, particularly the actin and microtubule networks, for processes like entry, replication, and egress.
- Advanced Imaging Techniques in Virology: Utilizing confocal, electron, and immunoelectron microscopy to visualize viral infection processes in primary human and rat sensory neurons.
Adjunct roles
Recent publications

Interferon Inhibits the Release of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 from the Axons of Sensory Neurons
October 2023

Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Utilizes the Host Actin Cytoskeleton for Its Release from Axonal Growth Cones
January 2022

Infection and Transport of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 in Neurons: Role of the Cytoskeleton
February 2018