Davide Simone

In my research I employ immunology research techniques and state of the art computational methods to interpret genomics data, with the aim of: 1) clarifying the pathogenesis of rheumatic immune-mediated conditions, by studying them at cell and gene level: 2) discovering biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis and treatment response and revealing novel targets of future treatments.

My doctoral work, supervised by Professor Paul Bowness, Doctor Hussein al Mossawi and Professor Paul Klenerman illustrated the mechanisms of suppression of Tregs in the synovial fluid in the course of a joint flare in patients with arthritis. 

Our current work focuses on the changes occurring in peripheral blood and affected tissues in the course of inflammatory arthritides. To evaluate this we primarily use state-of-the art analytical tools for single cell genomics.

The work we are undertaking in this area may allow us to understand the immune pathways underlying the systemic nature of the disease but also the mechanisms of local tissue inflammation, which will allow to tailor the immunosuppression we give to arthritis patients.
Furthermore, our work may help identify new druggable pathways with translational potential, and the molecular features that allow patient stratification for precision medicine.

My research is currently supported by Versus Arthritis, and previously I have been funded by the Oxford Hospitals Charity, FOREUM and the Italian Society for Rheumatology.

Alongside my research, I am a practicing physician, qualified in rheumatology, and I work clinically in the Rheumatology department at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre as a specialist doctor.