Manuela Cappelletti | Immunology | Industry Impact Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Mrs. Manuela Cappelletti | Immunology | Industry Impact Award 

Senior lab biologist | TAKIS srl | Italy

Mrs. Manuela Cappelletti is an accomplished Italian Senior Laboratory Biologist with extensive experience in molecular biology, immunology, and preclinical biotechnology. She has played a key role at Takis Srl in Rome, contributing to research in monoclonal antibody generation and vaccine development. Previously, she held senior research positions at IRBM Merck Research Laboratories and RTC Research Toxicology Center, where she developed expertise in molecular cloning, cell biology, and animal experimentation. At Takis, she oversees hybridoma generation, antibody subcloning, and large-scale antibody production, ensuring high standards of biosafety and reproducibility. Her work has advanced innovative immunotherapy and vaccine platforms, including contributions to DNA-based vaccine research. With 23 scientific publications, 1,724 citations by 1,545 documents, and an h-index of 18, her research has significantly impacted the fields of antibody science and translational immunology. Renowned for her precision and leadership in laboratory innovation, Manuela continues to bridge fundamental science with applied biomedical research, fostering progress in immunotherapy and infectious disease solutions.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Cappelletti, M., et al. (n.d.). Isolation and characterization of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Antibodies (Basel). Cited by 12.

Cappelletti, M., et al. (n.d.). COVID-eVax: An electroporated DNA vaccine candidate encoding the SARS-CoV-2 RBD. Molecular Therapy, 30(4). Cited by 58.

Cappelletti, M., et al. (n.d.). COVID-eVax DNA vaccine elicits protective immune responses in animal models. bioRxiv. Cited by 72.

Cappelletti, M., et al. (n.d.). Gene electro-transfer improves transduction by modifying the fate of intramuscular DNA. Journal of Gene Medicine, 5(3). Cited by 130.

Cappelletti, M., et al. (n.d.). C/EBP beta and acute phase gene regulation in liver cells. Cell Death and Differentiation, 3(2). Cited by 45.

 

Alessia Muzi | Immunology | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Dr. Alessia Muzi | Immunology | Women Researcher Award

Principal investigator | Takis srl | Italy

Dr. Alessia Muzi is an accomplished Italian scientist and Principal Investigator at Takis Srl, leading pioneering research in oncology, monoclonal antibody engineering, and translational biotechnology. With over 20 years of experience, she has contributed significantly to therapeutic antibody development, vaccine innovation, and cancer immunotherapy. She holds a Ph.D. in Neurosciences from the University of Sacred Heart “Agostino Gemelli” and advanced degrees in Medical Biotechnology and Regulatory Medicine from the Universities of Rome “Tor Vergata” and “Sapienza.” As Head of the Monoclonal Antibody Laboratory at Takis, Dr. Muzi oversees cutting-edge projects focused on recombinant protein design and tumor-targeting antibodies. Her research bridges molecular biology and clinical applications, aiming to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments and immunotherapies. Recipient of the FISA-2022-00899 Award for bispecific antibody development, she has co-authored 33 publications with an h-index of 20 and 1,121 citations across 1,018 documents. Dr. Muzi’s scientific leadership, regulatory expertise, and commitment to translational medicine have established her as a leading figure in Italian biomedical innovation and a driving force in advancing therapeutic strategies for oncology and infectious diseases.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Novel Humanized Anti-HER3 Antibodies: Structural Characterization and Therapeutic Activity. (2025). Antibodies. Cited by 12.

Isolation and Characterization of Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. (2024). Antibodies. Cited by 25.

A Linear DNA Vaccine Candidate Encoding SARS-CoV-2 RBD in Domestic Cats. (2023). Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev. Cited by 9.

A First-in-Human Trial of COVID-eVax DNA Vaccine. (2022). Mol Ther. Cited by 40.

Persistent B Cell Memory After SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination. (2022). Cell Host Microbe. Cited by 58.

COVID-eVax: Electroporated DNA Vaccine Candidate Encoding SARS-CoV-2 RBD. (2022). Mol Ther. Cited by 65.

The Nuts and Bolts of SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD Heterologous Expression. (2021). Biomolecules. Cited by 33.

Isha Pahuja | T cell biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Molecular Biologist

Mrs . Isha Pahuja | T cell biology | Best Researcher Award 

Senior Research Fellow , International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , India

Isha Pahuja is a dedicated Senior Research Fellow in the Immunobiology Group at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi. With a solid foundation in life sciences and medical biotechnology, her research primarily focuses on immunological responses against tuberculosis. Isha has contributed significantly to the understanding of host-pathogen interactions, particularly in tuberculosis, with her work published in several high-impact journals.

Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Research Experience:
    • Isha Pahuja has substantial research experience across multiple renowned institutions, particularly in immunology and tuberculosis research. Her progression from a Junior Research Fellow to a Senior Research Fellow at ICGEB, New Delhi, highlights her dedication and the trust placed in her abilities by her supervisors.
  2. Notable Publications:
    • Isha has co-authored 16 peer-reviewed publications, many of which are in high-impact journals like Communications Biology, Journal of Infectious Diseases, and Microbiology Spectrum. Her work has significantly contributed to understanding tuberculosis (TB) immunology, and she has collaborated with multiple researchers on important projects.
  3. Awards and Recognitions:
    • Isha has received multiple awards, such as the Global Health Travel Award and the Best Poster Award at the BIOSPARKS 2024. These accolades recognize her research’s quality and impact within the scientific community.
  4. Involvement in High-Profile Projects:
    • She has undertaken several critical projects focused on tuberculosis, epigenetic regulation of T cell responses, and molecular biology, which underline her expertise in immunology.
  5. Technical Proficiency:
    • Isha is well-trained in advanced laboratory techniques relevant to her field, including BSL-3 level work, flow cytometry, proteomics data analysis, and bioinformatics tools. This technical skill set is essential for cutting-edge research in immunology.
  6. Professional Memberships:
    • Her membership in the British Infection Association and participation in various international symposiums indicate her active engagement with the global research community.

Areas of Improvement

  1. Independent Research Leadership:
    • While Isha has an impressive record of collaborative research, she might benefit from leading more independent research projects. Developing a distinct research niche could further establish her as a leader in her field.
  2. Grant Acquisition:
    • Securing independent research grants would demonstrate her ability to not only contribute to but also independently fund and manage research initiatives, a critical component of long-term academic and research success.
  3. Diverse Research Collaborations:
    • Expanding her collaborations beyond tuberculosis research to other areas of immunology or even interdisciplinary fields could enhance her research portfolio and widen her impact.
  4. Mentorship and Teaching:
    • Engaging in mentorship roles or teaching responsibilities could bolster her profile, as guiding upcoming researchers is a valuable trait for award consideration.

      Education

      Isha holds a B.Sc. in Life Sciences from the University of Delhi (2014) and an M.Sc. in Medical Biotechnology from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak (2016). Currently, she is pursuing her Ph.D. in Immunology at Jamia Hamdard University, where her research delves into the complexities of immunological responses in tuberculosis.

      Experience

      Isha’s career in research began as a Project Trainee at Biotech Consortium India Limited in 2016. She has since held multiple positions at ICGEB, New Delhi, including Junior Research Fellow and now, Senior Research Fellow. Her experience also includes a tenure at the Central University of Rajasthan, further enriching her expertise in immunobiology and infectious diseases.

      Research Interests

      Isha’s research interests are centered around immunology, with a focus on understanding host immune responses to tuberculosis. She is particularly interested in the role of immune modulation in disease recurrence and the potential for therapeutic interventions that target these pathways.

      Awards and Honors

      Isha has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Global Health Travel Award to attend the Keystone Symposium on Tuberculosis in 2024 and the Best Poster Award at the 18th Annual Science Fest BIOSPARKS. Her contributions have also been recognized with travel grants and participation in international conferences, underscoring her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in her field.

      Publications

      Isha has authored several influential papers in peer-reviewed journals. Below are some of her key publications:

      1. Depletion of essential mycobacterial gene glmM reduces pathogen survival and induces host-protective immune responses against tuberculosis
        • Journal: Communications Biology
        • Published: Aug 6, 2024
        • Cited by: Articles exploring pathogen survival mechanisms Read More
      2. Immunoinhibitory effects of anti-tuberculosis therapy induce the host vulnerability to tuberculosis recurrence
        • Journal: Microbiology Spectrum
        • Published: May 2024
        • Cited by: Research on immune response modulation during tuberculosis therapy Read More
      3. Bergenin potentiates BCG efficacy by enriching mycobacteria-specific adaptive memory responses via the Akt-Foxo-Stat4 axis
        • Journal: Tuberculosis (Edinburgh)
        • Published: Jul 2024
        • Cited by: Studies on vaccine efficacy enhancement Read More
      4. Unravelling the potential of Triflusal as an anti-TB repurposed drug by targeting replication protein DciA
        • Journal: Microbes and Infection
        • Published: Dec 2023
        • Cited by: Work on drug repurposing strategies Read More
      5. Adjunct Therapy With All-trans-Retinoic Acid Improves Therapeutic Efficacy Through Immunomodulation While Treating Tuberculosis With Antibiotics in Mice
        • Journal: The Journal of Infectious Diseases
        • Published: May 15, 2024
        • Cited by: Immunomodulatory therapies for infectious diseases Read More

          Conclusion

          Isha Pahuja is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her extensive experience, notable publications, and recognition within the scientific community. Her work has made significant contributions to the understanding of tuberculosis immunology, and she has demonstrated technical expertise and dedication to her research. To further strengthen her candidacy, Isha could focus on leading independent research projects, securing grants, and expanding her research scope. Overall, her current achievements make her a deserving nominee for the award.