Dr Naomi Truong - The Westmead Institute for Medical Research

Dr Naomi Truong

Postdoctoral Research Scientist

B. Sc. (Hons), Ph.D.

naomi.truong@wimr.org.au

Biography

Naomi Truong is a rising leader in Herpes immunology research, based at the Westmead Institute for Medical Research and serving as an Adjunct Lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at The University of Sydney. Since earning her PhD in Medicine (Immunology) in 2017, Naomi has specialised in human skin and genital mucosal explant infection models, advancing our understanding of early immune responses to Herpes simplex virus (HSV). She is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists, having Co-supervised several Honours, Masters, and PhD students to completion, and is now a Lead supervisor. Her innovative approach and commitment to translational immunology position her at the forefront of efforts to inform vaccine design and therapeutic strategies against HSV.

Themes: Herpes Simplex Virus, Human Mucosal Immunology

Research interests

Naomi’s research explores how Herpes simplex virus first interacts with immune cells within human skin and genital mucosa. During the past decade, she has developed and refined a human genital mucosal explant model of HSV infection, which has been instrumental in uncovering a “relay” mechanism, where HSV is passed from infected Langerhans cells to dermal dendritic cells and macrophages. Naomi is investigating the distinct roles of dermal dendritic cell subsets in HSV uptake, and their capacity to stimulate CD8 and CD4 T cells, both essential for HSV clearance. Naomi utilises high-parameter microscopy, flow cytometry and now spatial multiomics to comprehensively profile the complex interplay between HSV and immune cells. Findings from the explant models are being compared with rare clinical specimens from genital herpes lesions. Ultimately, her goal is to identify key immune cells and pathways that can inform the development of more effective HSV vaccines.

Additional information

Identifying the immune cell interactions with Herpes simplex virus during initial infection in human genital mucosa

Current Research Students
Dona Sirimanne (PhD) – Defining the mechanism of facilitation of HIV infection by herpes simplex viral coinfection in genital mucosa

Affiliations

Sydney Infections Diseases Institute (Sydney ID), The University of Sydney

Professional Associations and Organisations

Australian and New Zealand Society for Immunology (ASI)
Australian Society for Dermatology Research (ASDR)
Australian Microscopy and Microanalysis Society (AMMS)