A functional and structural investigation of the pro- and anti-viral roles of the DDX3 DEAD-box RNA helicases

During infection, our immune system triggers drastic but highly regulated changes in gene activity to bring about protective immune responses. This thesis identifies, dissects and challenges the molecular mechanisms by which DDX3 interacts with the cell nucleus and controls the two main signalling and effector arcs of the human innate immune system. Several incurable viruses weaponise DDX3 and thereby hack into a nexus of immune and other cellular functions to service their own replication; we now adapt this concept and turn it against these very viruses to develop new treatments.