Biosketch
Prof. Dr. Nourtan F. Abdeltawab
Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University
My research focuses on the complex interplay between hosts and pathogens, with particular emphasis on genetic and immunological factors that influence disease susceptibility and progression. I integrate systems biology approaches to uncover genetic determinants that modulate disease outcomes.
Viral Immunology & Pharmacogenetics:Investigating genetic factors influencing differential responses to Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) therapy, including pharmacogenetics of direct-acting antivirals. This work earned theL'Oréal-UNESCO FWIS Levant & Egypt Fellowship (2014)and theInternational Rising Talent Award (2015).
Vaccine Development:Contributing to rational vaccine design and optimization through collaborative projects.
Antimicrobial Resistance:Exploring natural antimicrobial agents against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria to address the global challenge of antibiotic resistance.
Stem Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine:Preclinical studies on mesenchymal stem cells for autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus) and bone regeneration in osteomyelitis.
I serve as thePrincipal Investigator (PI) at Newgiza University for anNIH-funded collaborative project with Prof. Dr. Naglaa Shoukry (University of Montreal Hospital Research Center) and Prof. Dr. Arash Grakoui (Emory University), overseeing all site operations, sample collection, biobanking, and international coordination.Through these diverse efforts, I aim to advance preventive and therapeutic strategies for infectious diseases, especially viral infections, and to strengthen immunology and microbiology research for improved human health outcomes.Research Projects and ContributionsNIH-funded Project (U19): Correlates of Protective Immunity to HCVEgypt-site PI at Newgiza University. Responsible for sample collection, handling, and biobanking Collaboration with Prof. Dr. Arash Grakoui (Emory University) and Prof. Dr. Naglaa Shoukry (CRCHUM) on data analysis and publications.
Pharmacogenetics of HCV Therapy in Egyptian Population
L'Oréal-UNESCO FWIS Levant & Egypt Fellowship (2014)
L'Oréal-UNESCO FWIS International Rising Talent Award (2015)
Top 50 Women Forum in Egypt (Amwal Al-Ghad, 2016)
Cairo University Encouragement Award (Junior Faculty Incentive Award, 2018)
Committed to empowering students to think critically and challenge the status quo
Held leadership roles: Director of Biotechnology Center and Director of International Relations Office, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University
Advocates for promoting women in science and fostering international collaborations
Doctoral Training
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
Focus: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on genetic susceptibility to Group A Streptococcal sepsis
Key publications: Aziz RK et al., 2007; Abdeltawab NF et al., 2008; Kotb M et al., 2008; Kanal RG et al., 2010
Postdoctoral Training
Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping for host responses to Ebola virus and Shiga-toxin producing E. coli
Genome-wide transcriptional profiling of mouse and human cell lines; data deposited in GeneNetwork for translational research
Key publications: Zumbrun EE et al., 2012; Russo LM et al., 2015