Archana Joon, PhD

Dr. Archana Joon is a postdoctoral research fellow with expertise in virology, immunology, and host–pathogen interactions. Her current research focuses on understanding the molecular and immunological mechanisms underlying HIV and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) syndemic, a major driver of HIV acquisition, persistence, and disease progression. Using primary immune cell models, HIV latency systems (QUECEL model), and transcriptomic approaches, she aims to identify host pathways that contribute to HIV reservoir maintenance, HSV mediated HIV latency reversal and uncover potential therapeutic targets relevant to HSV/HIV syndemic cure strategies.

Dr. Joon earned her PhD in Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology from PGIMER, Chandigarh, India, where her research spanned bacterial pathogenesis, host signaling pathways, microbial glycosylation, and biosensor development. She has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications across microbiology, cell signaling, and infectious disease biology, and has contributed to book chapters in biosensing and microbial enzymes. Dr. Joon is a recipient of several competitive fellowships and travel awards, including the CSIR-UGC JRF/SRF and the ASV Postdoctoral Scholar Travel Award.