BrainMap

Simona Maria Ruta

Professor

Professor, Senior Researcher - UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "CAROL DAVILA"

Other affiliations

Senior researcher - INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (Romania)

Researcher | Teaching staff | Scientific reviewer | PhD supervisor

Web of Science ResearcherID: A9569-2010

Curriculum Vitae (12/04/2019)

Expertise & keywords

The evaluation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 protection in convalescent and vaccinated subjects in the light of newly emerging variants Call name: P 1 - SP 1.1 - Proiecte de cercetare Postdoctorală - PD-2021
PN-III-P1-1.1-PD-2021-0825 2022 - 2024

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO)

Affiliation:

Project website: https://virology.ro/grant/the-evaluation-of-anti-sars-cov-2-protection-in-convalescent-and-vaccinated-subjects-in-the-light-of-newly-emerging-variants/

Abstract:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is a serious disease that has resulted in widespread global morbidity and mortality. Globally, at the beginning of July 2021, there have been more than 183 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, including almost 4 million deaths, reported to WHO. With the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak spreading worldwide, immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection is central to long-term control of the current pandemi. The recent development of different types of vaccines (mRNA or adenoviral vector-based technology) opens new perspectives in the fight against COVID-19. Still, one of the most important question is how long humoral and cellular immunity will last and whether it will protect the population from recurrent SARS-CoV-2 infections, especially in the context of new emerging variants in the UK (B.1.1.7), South Africa (B.1.351), Brazil (P.1) and India (B.1.617). The same question applies to those who have had a natural infection with SARS-CoV-2. In this context, our project aims to evaluate the persistence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune response developed post-infection or post-vaccination to different SARS-CoV-2 variants in order to better understanding the natural adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2.

Multidisciplinary One Health excellence research platform for neglected and emerging vector-borne diseases Call name: P 1 - SP 1.2 - Proiecte complexe realizate in consorții CDI
PN-III-P1-1.2-PCCDI-2017-0005 2018 - 2021

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA

Project partners: UNIVERSITATEA DE STIINTE AGRICOLE SI MEDICINA VETERINARA CLUJ-NAPOCA (RO); INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE MEDICO-MILITARA „CANTACUZINO” (RO); INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO); UNIVERSITATEA DE MEDICINA SI FARMACIE "IULIU HATIEGANU" (RO); INSTITUTUL NAŢIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE "DELTA DUNĂRII"-I.N.C.D.D.D. TULCEA (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO)

Project website: https://www.zooparaz.net/pccdi57/

Abstract:

This complex project brings a novel interdisciplinary approach through is five pillars, each coordinated by a different partner. A modern technological platform will be developed for the in vitro breeding of arthropod vectors. This will attract international funds through a strong research service offer (drug efficacy and resistance, vectorial capacity) and marketing of arthropod colonies. Other projects will contribute to a better understanding of the ecological and epidemiological dynamic of vector-borne viruses over the entire territory of Romania by identifying risk markers, followed by the improvement of clinical services and an increased awareness of public health authorities and medical personnel, and an extensive development of rapid diagnostic methods for human arbovirus infections phleboviruses, West Nile encephalitis, Usutu, imported viruses - Zika, Dengue, Chikungunya). Extensive epidemiologic data will be collected for the tick-borne encephalitis, Crimea-Congo haemorrhagic fever, and human rickettsioses, aiming to increase the level of awareness in the medical system and an increased diagnostic capacity. Another important component of the project is the urban ecology of the vector-borne infections in Romania, by understanding the risk factors in three model cities, followed by proposals for effective management and control. The fifth project targets the socio-economic dimension of vector-borne diseases and aims to estimate their micro- and macro-economic impact and the involvement of the society in the research by a citizen-science approach. Last but not least, the project results in a crucial development of the human resource and infrastructure of the involved partner and will ensure the financial and research sustainability beyond the frame of the project.

Rationally designed therapeutic vaccine against HIV-1 based on a novel formulation of nanoparticle-protected mRNA Call name: P 3 - SP 3.2 - Proiecte ERA.NET
HIVERA-HIV-NANOVA 2016 - 2018

Role in this project: Partner team leader

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU"

Project partners: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO)

Project website: http://www.virology.ro/ro/hiv-nanova-home

Abstract:

Recent data demonstrate the feasibility of dendritic cell based therapeutic vaccines to control HIV-1 infection. Nevertheless, their patient specific nature, the specialized infrastructure, the high level of expertise required for preparation and the high demands for storage and transportation preclude widespread application and commercialization. Therefore novel vaccine candidates that retain the power of a DC-based vaccine but at the same time overcome its limitations need to be developed. mRNA-based vaccines offer significant promise in this respect. It was shown that mRNA is selectively taken up by dendritic cells upon injection in the lymph node and induces strong antigen specific immune responses. Therefore, an interesting vaccine candidate could be an mRNA-based vaccine able to deliver both a rationally designed HIV antigen sequence and on the other hand potent activation signals. An important drawback of this approach is the fact that intranodal immunization is not easily applicable in clinical settings. Therefore, more standardized routes of administration need to be explored. Given the inherent sensitivity of RNA to ambient RNases, these approaches will require protection of mRNA. In this project we will evaluate the feasibility of delivering an mRNA based therapeutic vaccine with biodegradable nanoparticles loaded with RNA entrapped at their surface through a lysine-derived poly-lactic acid based polymer.

Investigation of viral and host markers of non-response to anti-viral treatment in chronic hepatitis C Call name: Joint Applied Research Projects - PCCA-2011 call, Type 2
PN-II-PT-PCCA-2011-3.2-1150 2012 - 2016

Role in this project:

Coordinating institution: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE CANTACUZINO

Project partners: INSTITUTUL NATIONAL DE CERCETARE CANTACUZINO (RO); SPITALUL DE BOLI INFECTIOASE "DR.VICTOR BABES" (RO); INSTITUTUL CLINIC FUNDENI (RO); INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO); PERSONAL GENETICS S.R.L. (RO)

Affiliation: INSTITUTUL DE VIRUSOLOGIE "STEFAN S.NICOLAU" (RO)

Project website: http://www.cantacuzino.ro/ro/?p=1713

Abstract:

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b is associated with higher rates of liver cirrhosis and poorer response to antiviral therapy. Sustained virological response to pegylated interferon/ ribavirin is achieved in only half of genotype 1-infected patients(prevalent in Romania). Starting with 2011, new treatments are available including specific protease inhibitors in addition to PEG-Interferon and ribavirin. Failure of IFN-based treatments to eradicate HCV infection has been shown to be related to virological (HCV genotype, variability, viral load, on-treatment viral kinetics), host genetic determinants (genetic variation near the IL28B gene) and non-genetic factors (age, sex, fibrosis, etc.). So far, no study characterizing HCV resistance pattern or genetic features among chronic HCV patients from Romania is available. The project aims to define the pre-treatment prediction of response to PEG-IFN/RBV therapy through the integrated analysis of viral factors as well as host factors. This study implies a prospective recruitment of patients with chronic hepatitis C in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. All serological, biochemical, histo-pathological and genetic assays will be performed on samples routinely taken in regular clinical practice. The presence of the described mutations to the current or the tri-therapy in complete viral protein-coding regions and the variability impact on the resistance phenotype using both the traditional sequencing method and a next generation approach will be evaluated. Selected HCV genomic regions will serve to design primers and to develop specific PCR systems capable to detect resistance mutations. Human genetic markers (IL28B, HLA-B27, ITPA genes polymorphisms) and serum proteins (IP-10) will be tested for treatment prediction. A computer based algorithm including host and viral factors will be developed to support selection of the optimum treatment in the context of personalized medicine.

FILE DESCRIPTION	DOCUMENT
List of research grants as project coordinator or partner team leader
Significant R&D projects for enterprises, as project manager
R&D activities in enterprises
Peer-review activity for international programs/projects