Nourtan Abdeltawab

Prof. Dr. Nourtan F. Abdeltawab, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University

Research Interests

My research focuses on unraveling the interplay between hosts and pathogens, with a particular emphasis on the genetic and immunological factors influencing disease susceptibility and progression.

I employed systems biology approaches to identify genetic determinants that modulate disease outcomes.

A significant aspect of my work at Cairo University involves exploring the potential of natural antimicrobial agents against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, aiming to address the urgent global health challenge of antibiotic resistance.

Additionally, I have conducted preclinical studies investigating the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells in treating autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as in promoting bone regeneration in osteomyelitis.

One of my core research interests lies in understanding the genetic basis of differential responses to Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) therapy, a major health concern in Egypt. I am studying the pharmacogenetics of direct-acting antivirals for HCV, a research project that was recognized with the L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science (FWIS) Levant and Egypt fellowship in 2014, followed by the International Rising Talent Award in 2015. This work has led to collaborations with Prof. Dr. Naglaa Shoukry's team at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM) to investigate the immunological correlates of protective immunity to HCV.

Currently, I am the site Principal Investigator for an NIH-funded collaborative project at the School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University, in partnership with Prof. Dr. Naglaa Shoukry and Prof. Dr. Arash Grakoui at Emory University.

By integrating these diverse research areas, I aspire to contribute to the development of innovative strategies for preventing and treating infectious diseases, particularly viral infections like HCV, and advancing therapeutic and preventive approaches in immunology and microbiology to improve human health.

Research Experience

• Doctoral Training:
o University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
o Employed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to investigate the genetic basis of Group A Streptococcal sepsis.
o Publications: Aziz RK et al., 2007; Abdeltawab NF et al., 2008; Kotb M et al., 2008; Kanal RG et al., 2010.

• Postdoctoral Training:
o Mapped quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with differential host responses to Ebola and Shiga-toxin producing E. coli. (Zumbrun EE et al., 2012; Russo LM et al., 2015)
o Conducted genome-wide transcriptional profiling of mouse and human cell lines to identify conserved genetic pathways. Deposited data in GeneNetwork to facilitate translational research.

Research Projects and Contributions:

• NIH-funded Project (U19): Correlates of protective immunity to HCV and rational vaccine design
o Egypt-site PI overseeing sample collection, handling, and biobanking.
o Collaborating with Prof. Dr. Arash Grakoui and colleagues on data analysis and publication.

• Pharmacogenetics of HCV therapy in Egyptian population (manuscript in final preparation)

• Immunological aspects of hepatitis C viral infections:
o Mentoring doctoral student on differential Th1/Th2 immune response in HCV-exposed individuals.
o Mentoring master's student on HCV co-infection with Schistosoma and interferon levels in chronic HCV patients.

• Vaccine Development and Optimization:
o Co-advisor on multiple projects, including:
 Formulating a combined vaccine for traveler's diarrhea and infant diarrhea
 Immunological and efficacy studies on a combined Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitides conjugate vaccine.
 Comparative study of adjuvants on the immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine.

• Antimicrobial Resistance and Natural Products:
o Co-advisor on doctoral theses investigating:
 Antimicrobial effects of essential oils on acne-causing microbes
 Biodegradation of dyes in industrial wastewater
 Effect of metal ions limitation on multi-drug resistance and biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus
 Virulence factors and multi-drug resistance in Serratia marcescens

• Stem Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine:
o Co-advisor on preclinical studies using mesenchymal stem cells for rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and osteomyelitis.

• Gut Microbiota and Health:
o Co-advisor on studies investigating the effect of herbal preparations and cigarette smoking on gut microbiota and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Awards and Recognition:

• L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science (FWIS) Levant And Egypt Fellowship Award (2014)
• L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science (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)

Mentorship and Leadership:

• I believe in empowering students to think critically and challenge the status quo.
• I have held various leadership positions, including Director of the Biotechnology Center and Director of the International Relations Office at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University.
• I am committed to promoting women in science and fostering international collaborations.

By combining strong scientific foundations with a passion for mentorship and innovation, I strive to make significant contributions to the field of microbiology and immunology.