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Frontiers in Public Health 2023The aim of the paper is to provide an overview of available HIV case reporting and treatment data for in Qatar for the period 2015-2020.
AIM
The aim of the paper is to provide an overview of available HIV case reporting and treatment data for in Qatar for the period 2015-2020.
METHODS
HIV case reporting data were analyzed by sex and mode of transmission. To construct HIV care continuum from the data available, we obtained information on the total number of HIV diagnosed patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART) between January 1st 2015 and December 31st 2020, number of patients on ART who had an HIV viral load test and the number who were virally suppressed (defined as having the viral load of less than 1,000 copies/mL).
RESULTS
A total of 515 HIV cases were reported to the Ministry of Public Health since beginning of reporting in 1986, and that included Qatari nationals and expatriate residents diagnosed in Qatar. There was an increase in the annual number of newly reported HIV cases from 16 cases in 2015 (of these, 14 were males) to 58 cases in 2020 (of these, 54 were males). The total number of HIV diagnosed people on ART increased from 99 in 2015 to 213 in 2020. During 2020 the overall viral load testing coverage and viral load suppression among those tested for viral load in men were 72.5% and 93.1%, respectively, while in women these values were 60.4% and 84.4%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Due to increase in newly reported HIV cases, there is a need to develop an effective HIV strategic information system in Qatar and data-driven and targeted national HIV response.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; HIV Infections; Qatar; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Treatment Outcome; Viral Load
PubMed: 38026435
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1234585 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2021The ubiquitin (Ub) proteasome system (UPS) plays a pivotal role in regulation of numerous cellular processes, including innate and adaptive immune responses that are... (Review)
Review
The ubiquitin (Ub) proteasome system (UPS) plays a pivotal role in regulation of numerous cellular processes, including innate and adaptive immune responses that are essential for restriction of the virus life cycle in the infected cells. Deubiquitination by the deubiquitinating enzyme, deubiquitinase (DUB), is a reversible molecular process to remove Ub or Ub chains from the target proteins. Deubiquitination is an integral strategy within the UPS in regulating survival and proliferation of the infecting virus and the virus-invaded cells. Many viruses in the infected cells are reported to encode viral DUB, and these vial DUBs actively disrupt cellular Ub-dependent processes to suppress host antiviral immune response, enhancing virus replication and thus proliferation. This review surveys the types of DUBs encoded by different viruses and their molecular processes for how the infecting viruses take advantage of the DUB system to evade the host immune response and expedite their replication.
Topics: Animals; Deubiquitinating Enzymes; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Immune Evasion; Immunity, Innate; Life Cycle Stages; Ubiquitin; Ubiquitination; Viral Proteins; Virus Diseases; Virus Replication; Viruses
PubMed: 33922750
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094438 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2021While first and foremost considered a respiratory infection, COVID-19 can result in complications affecting multiple organs. Immune responses in COVID-19 can both... (Review)
Review
While first and foremost considered a respiratory infection, COVID-19 can result in complications affecting multiple organs. Immune responses in COVID-19 can both protect against the disease as well as drive it. Insights into these responses, and specifically the targets being recognised by the immune system, are of vital importance in understanding the side effects of COVID-19 and associated pathologies. The body's adaptive immunity recognises and responds against specific targets (antigens) expressed by foreign pathogens, but not usually to target self-antigens. However, if the immune system becomes dysfunctional, adaptive immune cells can react to self-antigens, which can result in autoimmune disease. Viral infections are well reported to be associated with, or exacerbate, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In COVID-19 patients, both new onset MS and SLE, as well as the occurrence of other autoimmune-like pathologies, have been reported. Additionally, the presence of autoantibodies, both with and without known associations to autoimmune diseases, have been found. Herein we describe the mechanisms of virally induced autoimmunity and summarise some of the emerging reports on the autoimmune-like diseases and autoreactivity that is reported to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Topics: Adaptive Immunity; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Autoantibodies; Autoantigens; Autoimmune Diseases; Autoimmunity; COVID-19; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34445670
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168965 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2020Virus detection in natural and clinical samples is a complicated problem in research and diagnostics. There are different approaches for virus isolation and... (Review)
Review
Virus detection in natural and clinical samples is a complicated problem in research and diagnostics. There are different approaches for virus isolation and identification, including PCR, CRISPR/Cas technology, NGS, immunoassays, and cell-based assays. Following the development of genetic engineering methods, approaches that utilize cell cultures have become useful and informative. Molecular biology methods allow increases in the sensitivity and specificity of cell cultures for certain viruses and can be used to generate reporter cell lines. These cell lines express specific reporter proteins (e.g., GFP, luciferase, and CAT) in response to virus infection that can be detected in a laboratory setting. The development of genome editing and synthetic biology methods has given rise to new perspectives regarding the design of virus reporter systems in cell cultures. This review is aimed at describing both virology methods in general and examples of the development of cell-based methods that exist today.
Topics: Animals; Cell Culture Techniques; Genes, Reporter; Genetic Engineering; Humans; Synthetic Biology; Virology; Viruses
PubMed: 33121109
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217978 -
Vaccines Aug 2019Antibodies play a crucial role in host defense against viruses, both by preventing infection and by controlling viral replication. Besides their capacity to neutralize... (Review)
Review
Antibodies play a crucial role in host defense against viruses, both by preventing infection and by controlling viral replication. Besides their capacity to neutralize viruses, antibodies also exert their antiviral effects by crystallizable fragment (Fc)-mediated effector mechanisms. This involves a bridge between innate and adaptive immune systems, wherein antibodies form immune complexes that drive numerous innate immune effector functions, including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent complement-mediated lysis, and antibody-dependent phagocytosis. Here, we review certain mechanisms that modulate these antibody-mediated effector functions against virally infected cells, such as viral glycoprotein shedding, viral glycoprotein internalization, antibody cooperativity, and antibody glycosylation. These mechanisms can either protect viral replication or enhance infected cell clearance. Here we discuss the importance of these understudied factors in modulating Fc-mediated effector functions.
PubMed: 31480293
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7030103 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2021Neutrophils are important components of the innate immune system that mediate pathogen defense by multiple processes including phagocytosis, release of proteolytic... (Review)
Review
Neutrophils are important components of the innate immune system that mediate pathogen defense by multiple processes including phagocytosis, release of proteolytic enzymes, production of reactive oxygen species, and neutrophil extracellular trap formation. Abnormalities of neutrophil count and function have been described in the setting of HIV infection, with the majority of antiretroviral agents (ARVs), excluding zidovudine, having been reported to correct neutropenia. Questions still remain, however, about their impact on neutrophil function, particularly the possibility of persistent neutrophil activation, which could predispose people living with HIV to chronic inflammatory disorders, even in the presence of virally-suppressive treatment. In this context, the effects of protease inhibitors and integrase strand transfer inhibitors, in particular, on neutrophil function remain poorly understood and deserve further study. Besides mediating hemostatic functions, platelets are increasingly recognized as critical role players in the immune response against infection. In the setting of HIV, these cells have been found to harbor the virus, even in the presence of antiretroviral therapy (ART) potentially promoting viral dissemination. While HIV-infected individuals often present with thrombocytopenia, they have also been reported to have increased platelet activation, as measured by an upregulation of expression of CD62P (P-selectin), CD40 ligand, glycoprotein IV, and RANTES. Despite ART-mediated viral suppression, HIV-infected individuals reportedly have sustained platelet activation and dysfunction. This, in turn, contributes to persistent immune activation and an inflammatory vascular environment, seemingly involving neutrophil-platelet-endothelium interactions that increase the risk for development of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) that has become the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals on treatment, clearly underscoring the importance of unraveling the possible etiologic roles of ARVs. In this context, abacavir and ritonavir-boosted lopinavir and darunavir have all been linked to an increased risk of CVD. This narrative review is therefore focused primarily on the role of neutrophils and platelets in HIV transmission and disease, as well as on the effect of HIV and the most common ARVs on the numbers and functions of these cells, including neutrophil-platelet-endothelial interactions.
Topics: Animals; Anti-HIV Agents; Blood Platelets; HIV; HIV Infections; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Neutrophil Activation; Neutrophils; Platelet Activation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33777022
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.634386 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Mar 2020N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, which alters gene expression, is the most prevalent internal modification of eukaryotic mRNA. m6A modification is dynamic and... (Review)
Review
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, which alters gene expression, is the most prevalent internal modification of eukaryotic mRNA. m6A modification is dynamic and reversible that is regulated by three associated protein groups: methyltransferases or writers, demethylases or erasers, and m6A-binding proteins or readers. m6A modification is involved in all phases of RNA life, from RNA folding and structure, stability, splicing, nuclear export, translational modulation to RNA degradation. Recent findings show that the abnormal level of m6A modification causes aberrant expression of important viral genes. Here, we reviewe m6A role in gene expression and its contribution to the development of human viral diseases. Particularly, we would focus on viruses associated with human diseases including HIV-1, IAV, HBV, HCV, EBV and so on to find a novel approach and provide a new sight for the innovative treatment of human viral diseases.
Topics: Adenosine; Humans; Methylation; Methyltransferases; RNA Folding; RNA Stability; RNA, Viral; RNA-Binding Proteins; Virus Diseases; Viruses
PubMed: 32114429
DOI: 10.2741/4852 -
Progress in Biophysics and Molecular... Dec 2020
Topics: Biological Evolution; COVID-19; Extracellular Vesicles; Hepacivirus; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Nobel Prize; SARS-CoV-2; Virology; Virus Diseases; Virus Replication; Viruses
PubMed: 33096122
DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2020.10.004 -
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency... Feb 2021Limited data exist about clinical outcomes and levels of inflammatory and immune markers among people hospitalized with COVID-19 by HIV serostatus and by HIV viral...
BACKGROUND
Limited data exist about clinical outcomes and levels of inflammatory and immune markers among people hospitalized with COVID-19 by HIV serostatus and by HIV viral suppression.
SETTING
Large tertiary care health system in the Bronx, NY, USA.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 4613 SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive patients admitted between March 10, 2020, and May 11, 2020. We examined in-hospital intubation, acute kidney injury (AKI), hospitalization length, and in-hospital mortality by HIV serostatus, and by HIV-viral suppression and CD4 counts among people living with HIV (PLWH) using adjusted competing risks regression. We also compared immune and inflammatory marker levels by HIV serostatus and viral suppression.
RESULTS
Most patients were either non-Hispanic Black (36%) or Hispanic (37%); 100/4613 (2.2%) were PLWH, among whom 15 had detectable HIV viral load. PLWH compared to patients without HIV had increased intubation rates (adjusted hazard ratio 1.73 [95% CI: 1.12 to 2.67], P = 0.01). Both groups had similar rates of AKI, length of hospitalization, and death. No (0%) virally unsuppressed PLWH were intubated or died, versus 21/81 (26%, P = 0.04) and 22/81 (27%, P = 0.02) of virally suppressed PLWH, respectively. Among PLWH, higher CD4 T-cell counts were associated with increased intubation rates. C-reactive protein, IL-6, neutrophil counts, and ferritin levels were similar between virally suppressed PLWH and patients without HIV, but significantly lower for unsuppressed PLWH (all P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
PLWH had increased risk of intubation but similarly frequent rates of AKI and in-hospital death as those without HIV. Findings of no intubations or deaths among PLWH with unsuppressed HIV viral load warrant further investigation.
Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; COVID-19; Cohort Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; SARS-CoV-2; Viral Load
PubMed: 33433966
DOI: 10.1097/QAI.0000000000002578 -
MSphere May 2021Ebola virus (EBOV) is a highly pathogenic negative-stranded RNA virus that has caused several deadly endemics in the past decades. EBOV reverse genetics systems are...
Ebola virus (EBOV) is a highly pathogenic negative-stranded RNA virus that has caused several deadly endemics in the past decades. EBOV reverse genetics systems are available for studying live viruses under biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) or subviral particles under BSL-2 conditions. However, these systems all require cotransfection of multiple plasmids expressing viral genome and viral proteins essential for EBOV replication, which is technically challenging and unable to naturally mimic virus propagation using the subviral particle. Here, we established a new EBOV reverse genetics system only requiring transfection of a single viral RNA genome into an engineered cell line that stably expresses viral nucleoprotein (NP), viral protein 35 (VP35), VP30, and large (L) proteins and has been fine-tuned for its superior permissiveness for EBOV replication. Using this system, subviral particles expressing viral VP40, glycoprotein (GP), and VP24 could be produced and continuously propagated and eventually infect the entire cell population. We demonstrated the authentic response of the subviral system to antivirals and uncovered that the VP35 amount is critical for optimal virus replication. Furthermore, we showed that fully infectious virions can be efficiently rescued by delivering the full-length EBOV genome into the same supporting cell, and the efficiency is not affected by genome polarity or virus variant specificity. In summary, our work provides a new tool for studying EBOV under different biosafety levels. Ebola virus is among the most dangerous viral pathogens, with a case fatality rate of up to 90%. Since 2013, the two largest and most complex Ebola outbreaks in Africa have revealed the lack of investigation on this notorious virus. A reverse genetics system is an important tool for studying viruses by producing mutant viruses or generating safer and convenient model systems. Here, we developed an EBOV life cycle modeling system in which subviral particles can spontaneously propagate in cell culture. In addition, this system can be employed to rescue infectious virions of homologous or heterologous EBOV isolates using either sense or antisense viral RNA genomes. In summary, we developed a new tool for EBOV research.
Topics: Cell Line; Ebolavirus; Genome, Viral; RNA, Viral; Reverse Genetics; Virology
PubMed: 33952663
DOI: 10.1128/mSphere.00235-21