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Thomas S, Smatti MK, Alsulaiti H, Zedan HT, Eid AH, Hssain AA, Abu Raddad LJ, Gentilcore G, Ouhtit A, Althani AA, Nasrallah GK, Grivel JC, Yassine HM. Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of SARS-CoV-2 in patients exposed to MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 antigens. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29628. [PMID: 38682568 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
This study evaluated the potential for antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) in serum samples from patients exposed to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination on ADE in individuals with a MERS infection history. We performed ADE assay in sera from MERS recovered and SARS-CoV-2-vaccinated individuals using BHK cells expressing FcgRIIa, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV pseudoviruses (PVs). Further, we analyzed the association of ADE to serum IgG levels and neutralization. Out of 16 MERS patients, nine demonstrated ADE against SARS-CoV-2 PV, however, none of the samples demonstrated ADE against MERS-CoV PV. Furthermore, out of the seven patients exposed to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination after MERS-CoV infection, only one patient (acutely infected with MERS-CoV) showed ADE for SARS-CoV-2 PV. Further analysis indicated that IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3 against SARS-CoV-2 S1 and RBD subunits, IgG1 and IgG2 against the MERS-CoV S1 subunit, and serum neutralizing activity were low in ADE-positive samples. In summary, samples from MERS-CoV-infected patients exhibited ADE against SARS-CoV-2 and was significantly associated with low levels of neutralizing antibodies. Subsequent exposure to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination resulted in diminished ADE activity while the PV neutralization assay demonstrated a broadly reactive antibody response in some patient samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swapna Thomas
- Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maria K Smatti
- Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Haya Alsulaiti
- Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hadeel T Zedan
- Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali H Eid
- College of Medicine-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali A Hssain
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith J Abu Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Allal Ouhtit
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Asmaa A Althani
- Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Hadi M Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Giraldes BW, Boughattas S, Benslimane FM, Althani AA, Schubart CD, Huber CSR, Utz LRP, Al-Khayat JAA, Sadooni FN, Amado EM. The tale of an endemic shrimp's exceptional osmoregulation and the ancient Athalassic mangrove oasis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6677. [PMID: 38509217 PMCID: PMC10954768 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56907-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The hyperarid mangrove in the Middle East is characterised by the absence of rivers or freshwater inputs and is one of the most extreme settings of this ecosystem on Earth. Endemic to Qatar's hyperarid mangroves, a Palaemon shrimp is uniquely confined to a sole mangrove site in the Arabian Gulf. Within these mangrove channels, we unveiled brine groundwater sources exceeding 70 ppt salinity, contrasting the local marine standard of 42 ppt. Concurrently, a mysid species typically linked to salt pans and groundwater coexists. Stable isotopic analysis implied the existence of a predator-prey dynamic between this mysid species and the studied shrimp. Then, investigating the endemic shrimp's adaptation to extreme salinity, we conducted osmolarity experiments and phylogenetic studies. Our findings demonstrate that this shrimp transitions from hypo- to hyper-osmoregulation, tolerating salinities from 18 to 68 ppt-an unprecedented osmoregulatory capacity among caridean shrimps. This speciation pattern likely arises from the species osmolarity adaptation, as suggested for other Palaemon congeners. Phylogenetic analysis of the studied Palaemon, along with the mangrove's geological history, suggests a profound evolutionary interplay between the ecosystem and the shrimp since the Eocene. This study proposes the hyperarid mangrove enclave as an Athalassic mangrove oasis-a distinctive, isolated ecosystem within the desert landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno W Giraldes
- Environmental Science Center (ESC), Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | | | | | - Asmaa A Althani
- Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Carla S R Huber
- Environmental Science Center (ESC), Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
- Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Laura R P Utz
- Faculdade de Biociências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Fadhil N Sadooni
- Environmental Science Center (ESC), Qatar University, PO Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Enelise M Amado
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e Sociais Aplicadas (CCBSA), Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campus V João Pessoa (UEPB), João Pessoa, Brazil
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Zedan HT, Smatti MK, Al-Sadeq DW, Al Khatib HA, Nicolai E, Pieri M, Bernardini S, Hssain AA, Taleb S, Qotba H, Issa K, Abu Raddad LJ, Althani AA, Nasrallah GK, Yassine HM. SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers more potent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) responses than mRNA-, vector-, and inactivated virus-based COVID-19 vaccines. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29527. [PMID: 38511514 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) are elicited after infection and vaccination and have been well studied. However, their antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) functionality is still poorly characterized. Here, we investigated ADCC activity in convalescent sera from infected patients with wild-type (WT) severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) or omicron variant compared with three coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine platforms and postvaccination breakthrough infection (BTI). We analyzed ADCC activity targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins in convalescent sera following WT SARS-CoV-2-infection (n = 91), including symptomatic and asymptomatic infections, omicron-infection (n = 8), COVID-19 vaccination with messenger RNA- (mRNA)- (BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273, n = 77), adenovirus vector- (n = 41), and inactivated virus- (n = 46) based vaccines, as well as post-mRNA vaccination BTI caused by omicron (n = 28). Correlations between ADCC, binding, and NAb titers were reported. ADCC was elicited within the first month postinfection and -vaccination and remained detectable for ≥3 months. WT-infected symptomatic patients had higher S-specific ADCC levels than asymptomatic and vaccinated individuals. Also, no difference in N-specific ADCC activity was seen between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, but the levels were higher than the inactivated vaccine. Notably, omicron infection showed reduced overall ADCC activity compared to WT SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although post-mRNA vaccination BTI elicited high levels of binding and NAbs, ADCC activity was significantly reduced. Also, there was no difference in ADCC levels across the four vaccines, although NAbs and binding antibody titers were significantly higher in mRNA-vaccinated individuals. All evaluated vaccine platforms are inferior in inducing ADCC compared to natural infection with WT SARS-CoV-2. The inactivated virus-based vaccine can induce N-specific ADCC activity, but its relevance to clinical outcomes requires further investigation. Our data suggest that ADCC could be used to estimate the extra-neutralization level against COVID-19 and provides evidence that vaccination should focus on other Fc-effector functions besides NAbs. Also, the decreased susceptibility of the omicron variant to ADCC offers valuable guidance for forthcoming efforts to identify the specific targets of antibodies facilitating ADCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeel T Zedan
- Infectious Diseases Department, Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maria K Smatti
- Infectious Diseases Department, Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Duaa W Al-Sadeq
- College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hebah A Al Khatib
- Infectious Diseases Department, Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Eleonora Nicolai
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Pieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Ali Ait Hssain
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara Taleb
- Department of Research, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hamda Qotba
- Department of Clinical Research, Primary Health Care Centers, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Pathology, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Khodr Issa
- Proteomics, Inflammatory Response, and Mass Spectrometry (PRISM) Laboratory, INSERM U-1192, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Laith J Abu Raddad
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Asmaa A Althani
- Infectious Diseases Department, Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Infectious Diseases Department, Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hadi M Yassine
- Infectious Diseases Department, Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Abu-Rub LI, Johar ARA, Al Mana H, Abdelrahman HA, Althani AA, Qotba H, Yassine HM, Eltai NO. Bacterial indoor air contaminations in hospitals in MENA region: a systematic review. Int J Environ Health Res 2023; 33:1218-1232. [PMID: 35658652 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2083087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Poor indoor air quality in healthcare settings has been tied with the increase in hospital-acquired infections. Thus, this systematic review was conducted to assess the levels and compositions of bacteria in indoor hospital air in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. We examined results provided by different search engines published between 2000 and 2021. Our data showed that most studies were conducted in Iran (80.9%) with a bacterial concentration mean of 172.9 CFU/m3. Comparing sensitive and non-sensitive areas of hospitals, no significant difference was detected in the mean bacterial concentration. The most investigated sensitive hospital areas were operating rooms and intensive care units with mean indoor bacterial concentrations of 180.3 CFU/m3 and 204.6 CFU/m3, respectively. Staphylococcaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, and Bacillaceae were commonly identified bacterial families. In conclusion, the mean concentrations of the airborne bacteria were within the acceptable limit compared to WHO standards (300 CFU/m3) for the air in areas occupied by immunosuppressed people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Al-Reem A Johar
- Research and Development Department, Barzan Holdings, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hassan Al Mana
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Hamda Qotba
- Clinical Research Department, Primary Health Care Corporation, Clinical Research Primary Healthcare Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hadi M Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nahla O Eltai
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Almuraikhy S, Sellami M, Al-Amri HS, Domling A, Althani AA, Elrayess MA. Impact of Moderate Physical Activity on Inflammatory Markers and Telomere Length in Sedentary and Moderately Active Individuals with Varied Insulin Sensitivity. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:5427-5438. [PMID: 38026244 PMCID: PMC10674740 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s429899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Physical activity-associated immune response plays a crucial role in the aging process. This study aimed to determine the impact of short-term moderate physical activity on cytokine levels, oxidative stress markers, and telomere length in lean/overweight young subjects. Methods Fasting blood samples were collected from 368 participants at Qatar Biobank. Based on their homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), participants were categorized as insulin sensitive (IS) or insulin resistant (IR). Subsequently, they were divided into four groups: sedentary IS (n = 90), sedentary IR (n = 90), moderately active IS (n = 94), and moderately active IR (n = 94). Moderate physical activity was defined as walking at least two days per week for more than 150 minutes, as determined by physical activity questionnaires. Serum samples were analyzed for circulating inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-6, IL-10, IL-22, MCP-1/CCL2, TNF-α), as well as antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD and catalase). Telomere lengths were measured in the respective DNA samples. Results Moderately active IR participants exhibited significantly lower SOD activity, while catalase activity did not show significant differences. Moderately active IS participants had higher IL-6 and IL-10 levels compared to sedentary IS participants, with no significant differences observed in the IR counterparts. Telomere length did not significantly differ between the physically active and sedentary groups. Conclusion This study highlights the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects of moderate physical activity in individuals with insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance. However, no significant changes in telomere length were observed, suggesting a complex relationship between physical activity and the aging process. Further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize the balance between anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation through exercise and lifestyle adjustments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamma Almuraikhy
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Drug Design, Groningen University, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Maha Sellami
- Physical Education Department (PE), College of Education, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hadaia Saleh Al-Amri
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Physical Education Department (PE), College of Education, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alexander Domling
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Drug Design, Groningen University, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Asmaa A Althani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed A Elrayess
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Almuraikhy S, Anwardeen N, Doudin A, Sellami M, Domling A, Agouni A, Althani AA, Elrayess MA. Antioxidative Stress Metabolic Pathways in Moderately Active Individuals. Metabolites 2023; 13:973. [PMID: 37755253 PMCID: PMC10535328 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13090973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) is known to have beneficial effects on health, primarily through its antioxidative stress properties. However, the specific metabolic pathways that underlie these effects are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the metabolic pathways that are involved in the protective effects of moderate PA in non-obese and healthy individuals. Data on 305 young, non-obese participants were obtained from the Qatar Biobank. The participants were classified as active or sedentary based on their self-reported PA levels. Plasma metabolomics data were collected and analyzed to identify differences in metabolic pathways between the two groups. The results showed that active participants had increased activation of antioxidative, stress-related pathways, including lysoplasmalogen, plasmalogen, phosphatidylcholine, vitamin A, and glutathione. Additionally, there were significant associations between glutathione metabolites and certain clinical traits, including bilirubin, uric acid, hemoglobin, and iron. This study provides new insights into the metabolic pathways that are involved in the protective effects of moderate PA in non-obese and healthy individuals. The findings may have implications for the development of new therapeutic strategies that target these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamma Almuraikhy
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Drug Design, Groningen University, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Najeha Anwardeen
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Asmma Doudin
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Maha Sellami
- Physical Education Department (PE), College of Education, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Alexander Domling
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Drug Design, Groningen University, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Abdelali Agouni
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Asmaa A. Althani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Science, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Mohamed A. Elrayess
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
- College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
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Zedan HT, Smatti MK, Thomas S, Nasrallah GK, Afifi NM, Hssain AA, Abu Raddad LJ, Coyle PV, Grivel JC, Almaslamani MA, Althani AA, Yassine HM. Assessment of Broadly Reactive Responses in Patients With MERS-CoV Infection and SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2319222. [PMID: 37389876 PMCID: PMC10314312 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.19222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there remain unanswered questions regarding the nature and importance of the humoral immune response against other coronaviruses. Although coinfection of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) with the SARS-CoV-2 has not been documented yet, several patients previously infected with MERS-CoV received the COVID-19 vaccine; data describing how preexisting MERS-CoV immunity may shape the response to SARS-CoV-2 following infection or vaccination are lacking. Objective To characterize the cross-reactive and protective humoral responses in patients exposed to both MERS-CoV infection and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study involved a total of 18 sera samples collected from 14 patients with MERS-CoV infection before (n = 12) and after (n = 6) vaccination with 2 doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273). Of those patients, 4 had prevaccination and postvaccination samples. Antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV were assessed as well as cross-reactive responses to other human coronaviruses. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcomes measured were binding antibody responses, neutralizing antibodies, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity. Binding antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2 main antigens (spike [S], nucleocapsid, and receptor-binding domain) were detected using automated immunoassays. Cross-reactive antibodies with the S1 protein of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and common human coronaviruses were analyzed using a bead-based assay. Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 as well as ADCC activity against SARS-CoV-2 were assessed. Results A total of 18 samples were collected from 14 male patients with MERS-CoV infection (mean [SD] age, 43.8 [14.6] years). Median (IQR) duration between primary COVID-19 vaccination and sample collection was 146 (47-189) days. Prevaccination samples had high levels of anti-MERS S1 immunoglobin M (IgM) and IgG (reactivity index ranging from 0.80 to 54.7 for IgM and from 0.85 to 176.3 for IgG). Cross-reactive antibodies with SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 were also detected in these samples. However, cross-reactivity against other coronaviruses was not detected by the microarray assay. Postvaccination samples showed significantly higher levels of total antibodies, IgG, and IgA targeting SARS-CoV-2 S protein compared with prevaccination samples (eg, mean total antibodies: 8955.0 AU/mL; 95% CI, -5025.0 to 22936.0 arbitrary units/mL; P = .002). In addition, significantly higher anti-SARS S1 IgG levels were detected following vaccination (mean reactivity index, 55.4; 95% CI, -9.1 to 120.0; P = .001), suggesting potential cross-reactivity with these coronaviruses. Also, anti-S NAbs were significantly boosted against SARS-CoV-2 (50.5% neutralization; 95% CI, 17.6% to 83.2% neutralization; P < .001) after vaccination. Furthermore, there was no significant increase in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against SARS-CoV-2 S protein postvaccination. Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study found a significant boost in cross-reactive NAbs in some patients exposed to MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 antigens. These findings suggest that isolation of broadly reactive antibodies from these patients may help guide the development of a pancoronavirus vaccine by targeting cross-reactive epitopes between distinct strains of human coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeel T. Zedan
- Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maria K. Smatti
- Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Swapna Thomas
- Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gheyath K. Nasrallah
- Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ali Ait Hssain
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith J. Abu Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Peter V. Coyle
- Virology laboratory, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Asmaa A. Althani
- Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hadi M. Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Research Complex, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Thomas S, Emara MM, Ouhtit A, Nader JD, Nasrallah GK, Coyle PV, Althani AA, Al Maslamani MA, Yassine HM. Influenza Prevalence and Vaccine Efficacy among Diabetic Patients in Qatar. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:808-815. [PMID: 36996614 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Seasonal influenza viruses may lead to severe illness and mortality in patients with comorbidities, including Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Vaccination against influenza in DM patients may reduce influenza incidence and severity. Before the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, influenza infections were the most prevalent respiratory infections in Qatar. Still, reports about influenza prevalence and vaccine efficacy in DM patients have not been reported. This study aimed to analyze influenza prevalence among other respiratory infections and assess influenza vaccine efficacy in DM patients in Qatar. Statistical analysis was performed on data obtained from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) database for patients that visited the emergency department (ED) with respiratory-like illnesses. The analysis was done for the period between January 2016 to December 2018. Among 17,525 patients who visited HMC-ED with clinical symptoms of respiratory infections, 2611(14.9%) were reported to have DM. Among DM patients, influenza was the most prevalent respiratory pathogen at 48.9%. Influenza virus A (IVA) was the most circulating type, contributing to 38.4%, followed by IVB contributing to 10.4% of total respiratory infections. Among the typed IVA-positive cases, 33.4% were H1N1, and 7.7% were H3N2. A significant decrease in influenza infections was reported in vaccinated DM patients (14.5%) when compared to non-vaccinated patients (18.9%) (p-value = 0.006). However, there was no significant relaxation in the clinical symptoms among vaccinated DM patients compared to their non-vaccinated counterparts. In conclusion, influenza was the most common etiology for respiratory viral infection among diabetic patients at the leading healthcare provider in Qatar. Although vaccination reduced the incidence rate among DM patients, it was less effective in preventing symptoms. Further studies on a larger cohort and for a more extended period are required to investigate influenza prevalence and vaccine efficacy among DM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swapna Thomas
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed M Emara
- Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Allal Ouhtit
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Joanne D Nader
- Communicable Diseases Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; College of Health Sciences, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Peter V Coyle
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Virology laboratory, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Hadi M Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; College of Health Sciences, QU-Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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Hijazi G, Dakroub F, Khoueiry P, El-Kurdi A, Ezzeddine A, Alkalamouni H, Alansari K, Althani AA, Mathew S, AlKhatib HA, Yassine HM, Zaraket H. Viral metagenomics analysis of stool specimens from children with unresolved gastroenteritis in Qatar. Infect Genet Evol 2022; 105:105367. [PMID: 36115643 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is associated with significant global morbidity and mortality, especially among children under five years of age. Viruses are well established as etiologic agents of gastroenteritis since they are the most common pathogens that contribute to the disease burden in developing countries. Despite the advances in molecular diagnosis, a substantial proportion of AGE etiology remain unresolved. We implemented a viral metagenomics pipeline to determine the potential viral etiology associated with AGE among children under the age of five years in Qatar with undiagnosed etiology. Following enriching for the viral genome, ∼1.3 billion sequences were generated from 89 stool specimens using the Illumina HiSeq platform, of which 7% were mapped to viral genomes. Human viruses were detected in 34 specimens (38.2%); 14 were adenovirus, nine coxsackievirus A16, five rotavirus (G9P[8] and G4P[8]), four norovirus (GII), one influenza A virus (H3), and one respiratory syncytial virus A (RSVA). In conclusion, the viral metagenomics approach is useful for determining AGE's etiology when routine molecular diagnostic assays fail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghina Hijazi
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Fatima Dakroub
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Pierre Khoueiry
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; Pillar Genomics Institute, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abdullah El-Kurdi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; Pillar Genomics Institute, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amani Ezzeddine
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Habib Alkalamouni
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | | | - Asmaa A Althani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Shilu Mathew
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | | | - Hadi M Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
| | - Hassan Zaraket
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; Center for Infectious Diseases Research, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
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10
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Syed MA, Al Nuaimi AS, A/Qotba HA, Nasrallah GK, Althani AA, Yassine HM, Zainel AA, Khudadad H, Marji T, Veettil ST, Al-Jighefee HT, Younes S, Shurrab F, Al-Sadeq DW, AlFehaidi AAS, Yfakhroo AI, AlMesaifri MA, Al Mujalli H, Al Abdulla SA, Al Kuwari MG, Azad FM, Al Malki BAM, Abdulmalik MA. Epidemiology of SARS-CoV2 in Qatar's primary care population aged 10 years and above. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:645. [PMID: 34225657 PMCID: PMC8256211 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06251-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an urgent need to elucidate the epidemiology of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) and characterize its potential impact. Investing in characterising the SARS-CoV2 will help plan and improve the response to the pandemic. Furthermore, it will help identify the most efficient ways of managing the pandemic, avoiding public health policies and interventions that may be unduly restrictive of normal activity or unnecessarily costly. This paper describes the design and reports findings of a population based epidemiological study undertaken to characterise SARS-CoV2 in Qatar using limited resources in a timely manner. METHODS Asymptomatic individuals ≥10 years registered with Qatar's publicly funded primary health provider were eligible. A stratified random sampling technique was utilized to identify the study sample. Participants were invited to an appointment where they completed a questionnaire and provided samples for polymerase chain reaction and Immunoglobulin M and G immunoassay tests. Data collected were analyzed to calculate point and period prevalence by sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical characteristics. RESULTS Of 18,918 individuals invited for the study, 2084 participated (response rate 10.8%). The overall point prevalence and period prevalence were estimated to be 1.6% (95% CI 1.1-2.2) and 14.6% (95% CI 13.1-16.2) respectively. Period prevalence of SARS-CoV2 infection was not considerably different across age groups (9.7-19.8%). It was higher in males compared to females (16.2 and 12.7% respectively). A significant variation was observed by nationality (7.1 to 22.2%) and municipalities (6.9-35.3%). CONCLUSIONS The study provides an example of a methodologically robust approach that can be undertaken in a timely manner with limited resources. It reports much-needed epidemiological data about the spread of SARS-CoV2. Given the low prevalence rates, majority of the population in Qatar remains susceptible. Enhanced surveillance must continue to be in place, particularly due to the large number of asymptomatic cases observed. Robust contact tracing and social distancing measures are key to prevent future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ahmed Syed
- Department of Clinical Research, Primary Health Care Corporation, P.O. Box 26555, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Ahmed Sameer Al Nuaimi
- Department of Clinical Research, Primary Health Care Corporation, P.O. Box 26555, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hamda Abdulla A/Qotba
- Department of Clinical Research, Primary Health Care Corporation, P.O. Box 26555, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Asmaa A Althani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hadi M Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Hanan Khudadad
- Department of Clinical Research, Primary Health Care Corporation, P.O. Box 26555, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tamara Marji
- Department of Clinical Research, Primary Health Care Corporation, P.O. Box 26555, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shajitha Thekke Veettil
- Department of Clinical Research, Primary Health Care Corporation, P.O. Box 26555, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hadeel T Al-Jighefee
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Salma Younes
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Farah Shurrab
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Duaa W Al-Sadeq
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ameena Ibrahim Yfakhroo
- Department of Clinical Research, Primary Health Care Corporation, P.O. Box 26555, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Hanan Al Mujalli
- Directorate of Clinical Affairs, Primary Health Care Corporation, P.O. Box 26555, Doha, Qatar
| | - Samya Ahmad Al Abdulla
- Directorate of Clinical Operations, Primary Health Care Corporation, P.O. Box 26555, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Ghaith Al Kuwari
- Directorate of Strategy Planning and Health Intelligence, Primary Health Care Corporation, P.O. Box 26555, Doha, Qatar
| | - Faruk Mohammed Azad
- Department of Health Affairs, Ministry of Public Health, P.O. Box 42, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Mariam Ali Abdulmalik
- Department of Clinical Research, Primary Health Care Corporation, P.O. Box 26555, Doha, Qatar
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Mathew S, Taleb S, Eid AH, Althani AA, Yassine HM. In silico virtual screening of lead compounds for major antigenic sites in respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein. Emergent Mater 2021; 5:295-305. [PMID: 33969268 PMCID: PMC8090912 DOI: 10.1007/s42247-021-00213-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading ubiquitous respiratory pathogen in newborn infants, young children, and the elderly, with no vaccine available to date. The viral fusion glycoprotein (RSV F) plays an essential role in the infection process, and it is a primary target of neutralizing antibodies, making it an attractive site for vaccine development. With this in view, there is a persistent need to identify selective antiviral drugs against RSV, targeting the major antigenic sites on the F protein. We aimed to conduct a robust in silico high-throughput drug screening of one million compounds to explore potential inhibitors that bind the major antigenic site Ø and site II on RSV F protein, which are the main target of neutralizing antibodies (NAb). We utilized the three-dimensional crystallographic structure of both antigenic site Ø on pre-F and antigenic II on post-F to screen for potential anti-RSV inhibitors. A library of one million small compounds was docked to explore lead binders in the major antigenic sites by using virtual lab bench CLC Drug Discovery. We also performed Quantitative Structure-Activity and Relationship (QSAR) for the lead best binders known for their antiviral activity. Among one million tested ligands, seven ligands (PubChem ID: 3714418, 24787350, 49828911, 24802036, 79824892, 49726463, and 3139884) were identified as the best binders to neutralizing epitopes site Ø and four ligands (PubChem ID: 865999, 17505357, 24802036, and 24285058) to neutralizing epitopes site II, respectively. These binders exhibited significant interactions with neutralizing epitopes on RSV F, with an average of six H bonds, docking energy of - 15.43 Kcal·mol-1, and minimum interaction energy of - 7.45 Kcal·mol-1. Using in silico virtual screening, we identified potential RSV inhibitors that bind two major antigenic sites on the RSV F protein. Using structure-based design and combination-based drug therapy, identified molecules could be modified to generate the next generation anti-RSV drugs. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42247-021-00213-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilu Mathew
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, 2713 Qatar
| | - Sara Taleb
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Asmaa A. Althani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, 2713 Qatar
- College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, 2713 Qatar
| | - Hadi M. Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, 2713 Qatar
- College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, 2713 Qatar
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12
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Mathew SM, Benslimane F, Althani AA, Yassine HM. Identification of potential natural inhibitors of the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using a computational docking approach. Qatar Med J 2021; 2021:12. [PMID: 34604010 PMCID: PMC8474837 DOI: 10.5339/qmj.2021.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the only zoonotic-origin CoV to reach the pandemic stage, to which neither an effective vaccine nor a specific therapy is available. The spike glycoprotein harbors the receptor-binding domain (RBD) that mediates the virus's entry to host cells. This study aimed to identify novel inhibitors that target the spike protein's RBD domain through computational screening of chemical and natural compounds. Method: The spike protein was modeled from the recently reported electron microscopy protein structure (PDB ID: 6VSB) and the previously described SARS-CoV protein structure (PDB ID: 6ACD and 6ACJ). Virtual lab bench CLC Drug Discovery was used to computationally screen for potential inhibitory effects of currently prescribed drugs (n = 22), natural antiviral drugs (n = 100), and natural compounds (n = 35032). Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) studies were also performed to determine the leading binders known for their antiviral activity. Results: Among the drugs currently used to treat SARS-CoV2, hydroxychloroquine and favipiravir were identified as the best binders with an average of four H-bonds, with a binding affinity of - 36.66 kcal/mol and a minimum interaction energy of - 6.63 kcal/mol. In an evaluation of antiviral compounds, fosamprenavir and abacavir showed effective binding of five H-bonds, with an average binding affinity of - 18.75 kcal.mol- 1 and minimum interaction energy of - 3.57 kcal/mol. Furthermore, screening of 100 natural antiviral compounds predicted potential binding modes of glycyrrhizin, nepritin, punicalagin, epigallocatechin gallate, and theaflavin (average binding affinity of - 49.88 kcal/mol and minimum interaction energy of - 4.35 kcal/mol). Additionally, the study reports a list of 25 natural compounds that showed effective binding with an improved average binding affinity of - 51.46 kcal/mol. Conclusions: Using computational screening, we identified potential SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein inhibitors that bind to the RBD region. Using structure-based design and combination-based drug therapy, the identified molecules could be used to generate anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Asmaa A Althani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar E-mail:
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13
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Yassine HM, Al-Jighefee H, Al-Sadeq DW, Dargham SR, Younes SN, Shurrab F, Marei RM, Hssain AA, Taleb S, Alhussain H, Al-Nesf MA, Al-Khal A, Qotba H, Althani AA, Tang P, Abu-Raddad LJ, Nasrallah GK. Performance evaluation of five ELISA kits for detecting anti-SARS-COV-2 IgG antibodies. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 102:181-187. [PMID: 33127504 PMCID: PMC7590641 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate and compare the performances of five commercial ELISA assays (EDI, AnshLabs, Dia.Pro, NovaTec, and Lionex) for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Methods Seventy negative control samples (collected before the COVID-19 pandemic) and samples from 101 RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patients (collected at different time points from symptom onset: ≤7, 8–14 and >14 days) were used to compare the sensitivity, specificity, agreement, and positive and negative predictive values of each assay with RT-PCR. A concordance assessment between the five assays was also conducted. Cross-reactivity with other HCoV, non-HCoV respiratory viruses, non-respiratory viruses, and nuclear antigens was investigated. Results Lionex showed the highest specificity (98.6%; 95% CI 92.3–99.8), followed by EDI and Dia.Pro (97.1%; 95% CI 90.2–99.2), NovaTec (85.7%; 95% CI 75.7–92.1), then AnshLabs (75.7%; 95% CI 64.5–84.2). All ELISA kits cross-reacted with one anti-MERS IgG-positive sample, except Lionex. The sensitivity was low during the early stages of the disease but improved over time. After 14 days from symptom onset, Lionex and NovaTec showed the highest sensitivity at 87.9% (95% CI 72.7–95.2) and 86.4% (95% CI 78.5–91.7), respectively. The agreement with RT-PCR results based on Cohen’s kappa was as follows: Lionex (0.89) > NovaTec (0.70) > Dia.Pro (0.69) > AnshLabs (0.63) > EDI (0.55). Conclusion The Lionex and NovaLisa IgG ELISA kits, demonstrated the best overall performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi M Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hadeel Al-Jighefee
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Duaa W Al-Sadeq
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Soha R Dargham
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar; World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Disease Epidemiology Analytics on HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Viral Hepatitis, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Salma N Younes
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Farah Shurrab
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Reham M Marei
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ali Ait Hssain
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara Taleb
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Maryam A Al-Nesf
- Adult Allergy and Immunology Section, Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Hamda Qotba
- Department of Clinical Research, Primary Health Care Centers, Doha, Qatar
| | - Asmaa A Althani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Patrick Tang
- Department of Pathology, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar; World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Disease Epidemiology Analytics on HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Viral Hepatitis, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar; Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, United States
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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14
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Siddiqui M, Manansala JS, Abdulrahman HA, Nasrallah GK, Smatti MK, Younes N, Althani AA, Yassine HM. Immune Modulatory Effects of Vitamin D on Viral Infections. Nutrients 2020; 12:E2879. [PMID: 32967126 PMCID: PMC7551809 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infections have been a cause of mortality for several centuries and continue to endanger the lives of many, specifically of the younger population. Vitamin D has long been recognized as a crucial element to the skeletal system in the human body. Recent evidence has indicated that vitamin D also plays an essential role in the immune response against viral infections and suggested that vitamin D deficiency increases susceptibility to viral infections as well as the risk of recurrent infections. For instance, low serum vitamin D levels were linked to increased occurrence of high burdens viral diseases such as hepatitis, influenza, Covid-19, and AIDS. As immune cells in infected patients are responsive to the ameliorative effects of vitamin D, the beneficial effects of supplementing vitamin D-deficient individuals with an infectious disease may extend beyond the impact on bone and calcium homeostasis. Even though numerous studies have highlighted the effect of vitamin D on the immune cells, vitamin D's antiviral mechanism has not been fully established. This paper reviews the recent mechanisms by which vitamin D regulates the immune system, both innate and adaptive systems, and reflects on the link between serum vitamin D levels and viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheen Siddiqui
- College of Health Science-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (M.S.); (J.S.M.); (G.K.N.); (N.Y.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Judhell S. Manansala
- College of Health Science-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (M.S.); (J.S.M.); (G.K.N.); (N.Y.); (A.A.A.)
| | - Hana A. Abdulrahman
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (H.A.A.); (M.K.S.)
| | - Gheyath K. Nasrallah
- College of Health Science-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (M.S.); (J.S.M.); (G.K.N.); (N.Y.); (A.A.A.)
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (H.A.A.); (M.K.S.)
| | - Maria K. Smatti
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (H.A.A.); (M.K.S.)
| | - Nadin Younes
- College of Health Science-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (M.S.); (J.S.M.); (G.K.N.); (N.Y.); (A.A.A.)
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (H.A.A.); (M.K.S.)
| | - Asmaa A. Althani
- College of Health Science-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (M.S.); (J.S.M.); (G.K.N.); (N.Y.); (A.A.A.)
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (H.A.A.); (M.K.S.)
| | - Hadi M. Yassine
- College of Health Science-QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (M.S.); (J.S.M.); (G.K.N.); (N.Y.); (A.A.A.)
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (H.A.A.); (M.K.S.)
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15
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Smatti MK, Yassine HM, AbuOdeh R, AlMarawani A, Taleb SA, Althani AA, Nasrallah GK. Prevalence and molecular profiling of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) among healthy blood donors from different nationalities in Qatar. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0189033. [PMID: 29228016 PMCID: PMC5724864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the causative agent of infectious mononucleosis. EBV is highly prevalent lymphotropic herpesvirus and has been linked to several malignancies. Transmission is generally by oral secretions, but can be through blood transfusions and organ transplantations. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence, viremia rates, and circulating genotypes of EBV in healthy blood donors in Qatar. METHODS Blood samples from 673 blood donors of different nationalities residing in Qatar (mainly Qatar, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Pakistan, and India) were collected and tested for anti-EBV capsid (VCA; IgG & IgM), nuclear (EBNA; IgG), and early (EA-D; IgG) antigens. Avidity testing was determined when active infection was suspected. DNA was extracted from the buffy coat and subjected to EBV-DNA quantification using qRT-PCR. Genotyping was performed using nested-PCR targeting EBV-EBNA2 gene, and phylogeny by sequence analysis of the LMP-1 gene. RESULTS 97.9% (673/659) of the samples were seropositive as indicated by the presence VCA-IgG, while 52.6% (354/673) had detectible EBV-DNA. EBV seroprevalence and viremia rates increased significantly with age. Genotyping of 51 randomly selected samples showed predominance of Genotype 1 (72.5%, 37/51) as compared to genotype 2 (3.5%), and mixed infections were detected in 4% of the samples. Sub-genotyping for these samples revealed that the Mediterranean strain was predominant (65.3%), followed by B95.8 prototype and North Carolina strains (12.2% each), and China1 strain (6%). CONCLUSION As a first study to evaluate EBV infection in highly diverse population in Qatar, where expatriates represent more than 85% of the population, our results indicated high seroprevalence and viremia rate of EBV in different nationalities, with genotype 1 and Mediterranean strain being predominant. Clinical significance of these finding have not been investigated and shall be evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hadi M. Yassine
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Raed AbuOdeh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, U.A.E
| | - Asmaa AlMarawani
- Department of Laboratory, Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara A. Taleb
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Asmaa A. Althani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gheyath K. Nasrallah
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Health Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Althani AA, Marei HE, Hamdi WS, Nasrallah GK, El Zowalaty ME, Al Khodor S, Al-Asmakh M, Abdel-Aziz H, Cenciarelli C. Human Microbiome and its Association With Health and Diseases. J Cell Physiol 2016; 231:1688-94. [PMID: 26660761 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Human microbiota are distinct communities of microorganisms that resides at different body niches. Exploration of the human microbiome has become a reality due to the availability of powerful metagenomics and metatranscriptomic analysis technologies. Recent advances in sequencing and bioinformatics over the past decade help provide a deep insight into the nature of the host-microbial interactions and identification of potential deriver genes and pathways associated with human health, well-being, and predisposition to different diseases. In the present review, we outline recent studies devoted to elucidate the possible link between the microbiota and various type of diseases. The present review also highlights the potential utilization of microbiota as a potential therapeutic option to treat a wide array of human diseases. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1688-1694, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa A Althani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hany E Marei
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Wedad S Hamdi
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Souhaila Al Khodor
- Infectious Disease Unit, Division of Translational Medicine, SIDRA Medical and Research Center, Qatar
| | - Maha Al-Asmakh
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hassan Abdel-Aziz
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Carlo Cenciarelli
- CNR-Institute of Translational Pharmacology, Via Fosso del Cavaliere, Roma, Italy
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AbuOdeh RO, Al-Absi E, Ali NH, Khalili M, Al-Mawlawi N, Hadwan TA, Althani AA, Nasrallah GK. Detection and phylogenetic analysis of human pegivirus (GBV-C) among blood donors and patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Qatar. J Med Virol 2015; 87:2074-81. [PMID: 26058920 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Human Pegivirus (HPgV), formerly GB virus-C/Hepatitis G virus (GBV-C/HGV), collectively known as GBV-C, is widely spread and has been reported to be associated with non-A-E hepatitis. To our knowledge, no previous study was conducted about HPgV in Qatar. Thus, the objectives of this study were as follows: (i) to determine the rates of HPgV infection in Qatar among healthy blood donors and HBV-infected patients, and (ii) to determine the most predominant HPgV genotype in Qatar. A total of 714 blood plasma samples from healthy donors (612) and HBV-infected patients (102) were collected. RNA was extracted, reversed transcribed, and then subjected for HPgV detection by two round-nested PCR using primers amplifying a 208 bp of 5'-UTR of the HPgV. For genotyping, the 5'-UTR PCR products (from 25 randomly picked samples) were cloned and sequenced. The overall infection rate of HPgV in Qatar was 13.3%. There was no significant difference (P = 0.41) in the infection rates between healthy donor (13.7%) and in HBV-infected patients (10.7%). Moreover, we did not find any significant association between HPgV infection rates and nationality, sex, or age (P > 0.05). Sequence analysis of 40 5'-UTR PCR amplicons yielded the European genotype 2 as most predominant in Qatar, although other genotypes (5 and 7) were also present. Our results indicate that there is no strong correlation between HPgV infection rate, condition, nationality, age, and sex, and genotype 2 is most predominant in Qatar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raed O AbuOdeh
- Departmentof Basic Sciences, College of Science and Health Professions, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), National Guard Health Affairs, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Enas Al-Absi
- Biomedical Science Program, Health Sciences Department, College of Arts and Sciences and Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nadima H Ali
- Biomedical Science Program, Health Sciences Department, College of Arts and Sciences and Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Makiyeh Khalili
- Virology and Molecular Biology Section, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Naema Al-Mawlawi
- Virology and Molecular Biology Section, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha, Qatar
| | - Tameem A Hadwan
- Biomedical Science Program, Health Sciences Department, College of Arts and Sciences and Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Asmaa A Althani
- Biomedical Science Program, Health Sciences Department, College of Arts and Sciences and Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gheyath K Nasrallah
- Biomedical Science Program, Health Sciences Department, College of Arts and Sciences and Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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