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Ali AA, Tabll AA. Unlocking potential: Virus-like particles as a promising strategy for effective HCV vaccine development. Virology 2025; 602:110307. [PMID: 39580887 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2024] [Revised: 11/01/2024] [Accepted: 11/14/2024] [Indexed: 11/26/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. The development of prophylactic vaccine is essential for HCV global eradication. Despite over three decades of research, no effective vaccine for HCV has been developed, primarily due to the virus's genetic diversity, immune evasion mechanisms, and incomplete understanding of protective immunity. However, Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) offer a promising approach to overcoming these challenges. VLPs mimic the structure of native virus but without the infectious genome, making them safe and non-infectious vaccines candidates. The capability of VLPs to incorporate neutralizing and conformational epitopes, and engage humoral and cellular immune responses, positions them as a promising tool for overcoming challenges associated with the HCV vaccine development. This review examines the challenges and immunological considerations for HCV vaccine development and provides an overview of the VLPs-based vaccines development. It also discusses future directions and public health implications of HCV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A Ali
- Molecular Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, (NRC), 12622, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Ashraf A Tabll
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, 12622, Cairo, Egypt; Egyptian Centre for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), 11517, Cairo, Egypt.
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Alshiban NM, Aleyiydi MS, Nassar MS, Alhumaid NK, Almangour TA, Tawfik YM, Damiati LA, Almutairi AS, Tawfik EA. Epidemiologic and clinical updates on viral infections in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:102126. [PMID: 38966679 PMCID: PMC11223122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past two decades, the world has witnessed devastating pandemics affecting the global healthcare infrastructure and disrupting society and the economy worldwide. Among all pathogens, viruses play a critical role that is associated with outbreaks due to their wide range of species, involvement of animal hosts, easily transmitted to humans, and increased rates of infectivity. Viral disease outbreaks threaten public health globally due to the challenges associated with controlling and eradicating them. Implementing effective viral disease control programs starts with ongoing surveillance data collection and analyses to detect infectious disease trends and patterns, which is critical for maintaining public health. Viral disease control strategies include improved hygiene and sanitation facilities, eliminating arthropod vectors, vaccinations, and quarantine. The Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Public Health Authority (also known as Weqayah) in Saudi Arabia are responsible for public health surveillance to control and prevent infectious diseases. The notifiable viral diseases based on the Saudi MOH include hepatitis diseases, viral hemorrhagic fevers, respiratory viral diseases, exanthematous viral diseases, neurological viral diseases, and conjunctivitis. Monitoring trends and detecting changes in these viral diseases is essential to provide proper interventions, evaluate the established prevention programs, and develop better prevention strategies. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the epidemiological updates of the recently reported viral infections in Saudi Arabia and to provide insights into the recent clinical treatment and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura M. Alshiban
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Munirah S. Aleyiydi
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majed S. Nassar
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada K. Alhumaid
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thamer A. Almangour
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahya M.K. Tawfik
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila A. Damiati
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 23218, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Essam A. Tawfik
- Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics Institute, Health Sector, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh 11442, Saudi Arabia
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Tabll AA, Sohrab SS, Ali AA, Petrovic A, Steiner Srdarevic S, Siber S, Glasnovic M, Smolic R, Smolic M. Future Prospects, Approaches, and the Government's Role in the Development of a Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine. Pathogens 2023; 13:38. [PMID: 38251345 PMCID: PMC10820710 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing a safe and effective vaccine against the hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a top priority for global health. Despite recent advances in antiviral therapies, the high cost and limited accessibility of these treatments impede their widespread application, particularly in resource-limited settings. Therefore, the development of the HCV vaccine remains a necessity. This review article analyzes the current technologies, future prospects, strategies, HCV genomic targets, and the governmental role in HCV vaccine development. We discuss the current epidemiological landscape of HCV infection and the potential of HCV structural and non-structural protein antigens as vaccine targets. In addition, the involvement of government agencies and policymakers in supporting and facilitating the development of HCV vaccines is emphasized. We explore how vaccine development regulatory channels and frameworks affect research goals, funding, and public health policy. The significance of international and public-private partnerships in accelerating the development of an HCV vaccine is examined. Finally, the future directions for developing an HCV vaccine are discussed. In conclusion, the review highlights the urgent need for a preventive vaccine to fight the global HCV disease and the significance of collaborative efforts between scientists, politicians, and public health organizations to reach this important public health goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf A. Tabll
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo 12622, Egypt
- Egypt Centre for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Cairo 11517, Egypt
| | - Sayed S. Sohrab
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed A. Ali
- Molecular Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo 12622, Egypt;
| | - Ana Petrovic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Sabina Steiner Srdarevic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Stjepan Siber
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Marija Glasnovic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Robert Smolic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Martina Smolic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
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Faghihkhorasani A, Ahmed HH, Mashool NM, Alwan M, Assefi M, Adab AH, Yasamineh S, Gholizadeh O, Baghani M. The potential use of bacteria and bacterial derivatives as drug delivery systems for viral infection. Virol J 2023; 20:222. [PMID: 37789431 PMCID: PMC10548687 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02183-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infections in humans are responsible for fatalities worldwide and contribute to the incidence of various human ailments. Controllable targeted medicine delivery against many illnesses, including viral infection, may be significantly aided by using bacteria and bacteria-derived products. They may accumulate in diseased tissues despite physical obstacles, where they can launch antiviral immunity. The ability to genetically and chemically modify them means that vaccinations against viral infections may be manufactured and delivered to affected tissues more safely and effectively. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of the latest advancements in the field of utilizing bacteria and bacterial derivatives as carriers for administering medication to treat viral diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, influenza, and Ebola virus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mariem Alwan
- Pharmacy College, Al-Farahidi University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Marjan Assefi
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, USA
| | - Aya Hussein Adab
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Zahrawi University College, Karbala, Iraq
| | - Saman Yasamineh
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Omid Gholizadeh
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Moein Baghani
- Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Ahmed K, Jha S. Oncoviruses: How do they hijack their host and current treatment regimes. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188960. [PMID: 37507056 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Viruses have the ability to modulate the cellular machinery of their host to ensure their survival. While humans encounter numerous viruses daily, only a select few can lead to disease progression. Some of these viruses can amplify cancer-related traits, particularly when coupled with factors like immunosuppression and co-carcinogens. The global burden of cancer development resulting from viral infections is approximately 12%, and it arises as an unfortunate consequence of persistent infections that cause chronic inflammation, genomic instability from viral genome integration, and dysregulation of tumor suppressor genes and host oncogenes involved in normal cell growth. This review provides an in-depth discussion of oncoviruses and their strategies for hijacking the host's cellular machinery to induce cancer. It delves into how viral oncogenes drive tumorigenesis by targeting key cell signaling pathways. Additionally, the review discusses current therapeutic approaches that have been approved or are undergoing clinical trials to combat malignancies induced by oncoviruses. Understanding the intricate interactions between viruses and host cells can lead to the development of more effective treatments for virus-induced cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kainat Ahmed
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Sudhakar Jha
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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Alassad A, Al Rahwanji MJ, Yousfan A, Al Moualem S, Farhat A, Youssef LA. Seroprevalence and trends of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus in Syrian blood donors at Damascus University Blood Center between 2004 and 2021. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1174638. [PMID: 37325302 PMCID: PMC10267398 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1174638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Seroprevalence of transfusion-transmitted viral infections (TTVIs) is a valuable indicator for assessing blood safety, population health and health system performance in the times of peace and conflicts. Only scarce information is available on the impact of the decade-long violent conflict on the prevalence of TTVIs in Syria. Moreover, hepatitis B vaccine was introduced to the national vaccination program in 1993; however, no data is available on the vaccine effectiveness. Methods In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we compiled the screening results for major TTVIs, namely hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), of volunteer donors at Damascus University Blood Center from May 2004 to October 2021. Prevalence was expressed in percentages for the entire study group and subgroups. Chi-square test and linear regression were used to examine the differences and describe trends in prevalence, respectively, based on demographic characteristics (i.e., age and gender) and time. P-value of <0.005 was considered statistically significant. Results Of the total 307,774 donors (82.27% males, median age 27 years), 5,929 (1.93%) had serological evidence of at least one TTVI, and 26 (0.0085%) had multiple infections. The lowest prevalence (1.09%) was detected in donors aged 18-25 years old, and a higher prevalence (2.05%) was evident in males in comparison with females (1.38%). The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV was 1.18, 0.52, and 0.23%, respectively. Trend analyses revealed a significant regression in HBV and HIV prevalence from 2011 to 2021. HBV seropositivity depicted a temporal decline by ~80%, from 0.79% in 2011 to 0.16% in 2021 in those born in 1993 and thereafter. Discussion The seroprevalence of HBV, HIV, and to a lesser extent HCV dropped over the study 18-year period. Possible explanations may include implementation of the HBV vaccine, robust national health system, conservative sociocultural values, and isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alia Alassad
- Damascus University Blood Center, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Mhd Jawad Al Rahwanji
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Information Technology Engineering, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
- Department of Computer Science, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Amal Yousfan
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmacy College, Al Andalus University for Medical Sciences, Tartus, Syria
| | - Sally Al Moualem
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Arwa Farhat
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Lama A. Youssef
- Program of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
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Elbahrawy A, Atalla H, Alboraie M, Alwassief A, Madian A, El Fayoumie M, Tabll AA, Aly HH. Recent Advances in Protective Vaccines against Hepatitis Viruses: A Narrative Review. Viruses 2023; 15:214. [PMID: 36680254 PMCID: PMC9862019 DOI: 10.3390/v15010214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination has been confirmed to be the safest and, sometimes, the only tool of defense against threats from infectious diseases. The successful history of vaccination is evident in the control of serious viral infections, such as smallpox and polio. Viruses that infect human livers are known as hepatitis viruses and are classified into five major types from A to E, alphabetically. Although infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) is known to be self-resolving after rest and symptomatic treatment, there were 7134 deaths from HAV worldwide in 2016. In 2019, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) resulted in an estimated 820,000 and 290,000 deaths, respectively. Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a satellite virus that depends on HBV for producing its infectious particles in order to spread. The combination of HDV and HBV infection is considered the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is another orally transmitted virus, common in low- and middle-income countries. In 2015, it caused 44,000 deaths worldwide. Safe and effective vaccines are already available to prevent hepatitis A and B. Here, we review the recent advances in protective vaccines against the five major hepatitis viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Elbahrawy
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Hassan Atalla
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Alboraie
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Alwassief
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Muscat 123, Oman
| | - Ali Madian
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Mohammed El Fayoumie
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Ashraf A. Tabll
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Center, Giza 12622, Egypt
- Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Cairo 11517, Egypt
| | - Hussein H. Aly
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama1-23-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
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