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Gordon C Ibeanu,1 Adekunle B Rowaiye,1,2 Joy C Okoli,1 Daniel U Eze1 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, 27707, USA; 2Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Abuja, NigeriaCorrespondence: Adekunle B Rowaiye, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC, 27707, USA, Tel +1-9193812004, Email adekunlerowaiye@gmail.comBackground: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer worldwide, with numerous risk factors contributing to its development. Recent research has illuminated the significant role of the gut microbiota in CRC pathogenesis, identifying various microbial antigens as potential targets for vaccine development.Aim: This review aimed at exploring the potential sources of microbial antigens that could be harnessed to create effective CRC vaccines and understand the role of microbiome-CRC interactions in carcinogenesis.Methods: A comprehensive search of original research and review articles on the pathological links between key microbial candidates, particularly those more prevalent in CRC tissues, was conducted. This involved extensive use of the PubMed and Medline databases, as well as the Google Scholar search engine, utilizing pertinent keywords. A total of one hundred and forty-three relevant articles in English, mostly published between 2018 and 2024, were selected.Results: Numerous microbes, particularly bacteria and viruses, are significantly overrepresented in CRC tissues and have been shown to promote tumorigenesis by inducing inflammation and modulating the immune system. This makes them promising candidates for antigens in the development of CRC vaccines.Conclusion: The selection of microbial antigens focuses on their capacity to trigger a strong immune response and their link to tumor presence and progression. Identifying and validating these antigens through preclinical testing is essential in developing a CRC vaccine.Plain Language Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and serious disease that affects many people worldwide. Research has shown that the bacteria and other microorganisms in our gut play a significant role in the development of CRC. This review aimed to identify specific microbial targets that could be used to develop effective vaccines against CRC.The researchers searched through numerous scientific articles and found that certain bacteria and viruses are more commonly found in CRC tissues and promote tumor growth by causing inflammation and affecting the immune system. These microbes have the potential to be used as antigens in CRC vaccines.The identification of these antigens is a crucial step towards developing a vaccine that can prevent or treat CRC. Further research is needed to validate these findings and move closer to creating an effective vaccine against this disease.In simpler terms, this research is exploring how the gut microbiome contributes to colorectal cancer and searching for specific targets to develop a vaccine that can help prevent or treat the disease.Keywords: colorectal cancer, microbe, antigen, vaccine, tumor

Nandeeta Samad,1 Siddhartha Dutta,2 Temitayo Eniola Sodunke,3 Adiba Fairuz,4 Ashmita Sapkota,5 Zannatul Ferdous Miftah,6 Iffat Jahan,7 Paras Sharma,8 Abdullahi Rabiu Abubakar,9 Adekunle Babajide Rowaiye,10 Angus Nnamdi Oli,10 Jaykaran Charan,2 Salequl Islam,11 Mainul Haque12 1Department of Public Health, North South University, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh; 2Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India; 3Department of Anatomy, University of Ilorin, Nigeria; 4Department of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh; 5Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand; 6Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh; 7Department of Physiology, Eastern Medical College, Cumilla, Bangladesh; 8Department of Pharmacognosy, BVM College of Pharmacy, Gwalior, India; 9Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria; 10Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; 11Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh; 12Unit of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaCorrespondence: Mainul HaqueUnit of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, 57000, MalaysiaTel +60109265543Email runurono@gmail.comAbstract: The outbreak of pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), later named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO), was initiated at Wuhan, Hubei, China, and there was a rapid spread of novel SARS-CoV-2 and the disease COVID-19 in late 2019. The entire world is now experiencing the challenge of COVID-19 infection. However, still very few evidence-based treatment options are available for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 disease. The present review aims to summarize the publicly available information to give a comprehensive yet balanced scientific overview of all the fat-soluble vitamins concerning their role in SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. The roles of different fat-soluble vitamins and micronutrients in combating SARS-CoV-2 infection have been recently explored in several studies. There are various hypotheses to suggest their use to minimize the severity of COVID-19 infection. These vitamins are pivotal in the maintenance and modulation of innate and cell-mediated, and antibody-mediated immune responses. The data reported in recent literature demonstrate that deficiency in one or more of these vitamins compromises the patients’ immune response and makes them more vulnerable to viral infections and perhaps worse disease prognosis. Vitamins A, D, E, and K boost the body’s defense mechanism against COVID-19 infection and specifically prevent its complications such as cytokine storm and other inflammatory processes, leading to increased morbidity and mortality overemphasis. However, more detailed randomized double-blind clinical pieces of evidence are required to define the use of these supplements in preventing or reducing the severity of the COVID-19 infection.Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, fat-soluble vitamins, micronutrients, immune response

Adekunle Babajide Rowaiye,1 Okiemute Ajiroghene Okpalefe,2 Olukemi Onuh Adejoke,3 Joyce Oloaigbe Ogidigo,4 Oluwakemi Hannah Oladipo,5 Amoge Chidinma Ogu,3 Angus Nnamdi Oli,1 Samson Olofinase,2 Onyekachi Onyekwere,6 Abdullahi Rabiu Abubakar,7 Dilshad Jahan,8 Salequl Islam,9 Siddhartha Dutta,10 Mainul Haque11 1Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria; 2Department of Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria; 3Department of Medical Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria; 4Bioresources Development Centre, Abuja, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria; 5Bioresources Development Centre, Ilorin, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Kwara State, Nigeria; 6Bioresources Development Centre, Ubulu-Uku, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Delta State, Nigeria; 7Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, 700233, Nigeria; 8Department of Hematology, Asgar Ali Hospital, Gandaria, Dhaka, 1204, Bangladesh; 9Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh; 10Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India; 11Unit of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, 57000, MalaysiaCorrespondence: Mainul HaqueUnit of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, 57000, MalaysiaTel +60109265543Email runurono@gmail.comAbstract: The COVID-19 pandemic constitutes an arduous global health challenge, and the increasing number of fatalities calls for the speedy pursuit of a remedy. This review emphasizes the changing aspects of the COVID-19 disease, featuring the cytokine storm’s pathological processes. Furthermore, we briefly reviewed potential therapeutic agents that may modulate and alleviate cytokine storms. The literature exploration was made using PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Google scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases to retrieve the most recent literature on the etiology, diagnostic markers, and the possible prophylactic and therapeutic options for the management of cytokine storm in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 disease. The causative agent, severe acute respiratory coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), continually threatens the efficiency of the immune system of the infected individuals. As the first responder, the innate immune system provides primary protection against COVID-19, affecting the disease’s progression, clinical outcome, and prognosis. Evidence suggests that the fatalities associated with COVID-19 are primarily due to hyper-inflammation and an aberrant immune function. Accordingly, the magnitude of the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1, (IL-6), and tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α) significantly differentiate between mild and severe cases of COVID-19. The early prediction of a cytokine storm is made possible by several serum chemistry and hematological markers. The prompt use of these markers for diagnosis and the aggressive prevention and management of a cytokine release syndrome is critical in determining the level of morbidity and fatality associated with COVID-19. The prophylaxis and the rapid treatment of cytokine storm by clinicians will significantly enhance the fight against the dreaded COVID-19 disease.Keywords: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, cytokine storm, hyper-inflammation, fatality

Malignant tumors, characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation, are a leading global health challenge, responsible for over 9.7 million deaths in 2022, with new cases expected to rise to 35 million annually by 2050. Immunotherapy is preferred to other cancer therapies, offering precise targeting of malignant cells while simultaneously strengthening the immune system's complex responses. Advances in this novel field of science have been closely linked to a deeper knowledge of tumor biology, particularly the intricate interplay between tumor cells, the immune system, and the tumor microenvironment (TME), which are central to cancer progression and immune evasion. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms that govern these interactions, emphasizing their critical role in the development of effective immunotherapeutic products. We critically evaluate the current immunotherapy approaches, including cancer vaccines, adoptive T cell therapies, and cytokine-based treatments, highlighting their efficacy and safety. We also explore the latest advancements in combination therapies, which synergistically integrate multiple immunotherapeutic strategies to overcome resistance and enhance therapeutic outcomes. This review offers key insights into the future of cancer immunotherapy with a focus on advancing more effective and personalized treatment strategies., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Angus Nnamdi Oli et al.)

Aim: Sickle cell disease has witnessed a 41.4% surge from 2000 to 2021, significantly affecting morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in children from regions with elevated under-5 mortality rates. Gut microbiota dysbiosis is increasingly recognised in SCD, exacerbating complications, particularly chronic pain, marked by significant alterations of proinflammatory bacteria abundance. This review explores the therapeutic potential of Akkermansia muciniphila and Roseburia spp. in alleviating SCD-related complications, emphasising their roles in maintaining gut barrier integrity, reducing inflammation, and modulating immune responses., Method: A literature search up to November 2023 using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases explored SCD pathophysiology, gut microbiota composition, Akkermansia muciniphila and Roseburia spp. abundance, pain and gut dysbiosis in SCD, and butyrate therapy., Result: A. muciniphila and Roseburia spp. supplementation shows promise in alleviating chronic pain by addressing gut dysbiosis, offering new avenues for sustainable SCD management. This approach holds the potential for reducing reliance on reactive treatments and improving overall quality of life. This research underscores the pivotal role of the gut microbiome in SCD, advocating for personalised treatment approaches., Conclusion: Further exploration and clinical trials are needed to harness the full potential of these gut bacteria for individuals affected by this challenging condition., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Tarimoboere Agbalalah et al.)

Background: The mpox (monkeypox) disease is a re-emerging viral zoonosis of international concern that is endemic in parts of Africa. The mpox virus (MPXV), which was hitherto largely limited to some Central and West African countries, was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO on July 23, 2022 following the rapid spread of the virus to non-endemic countries. Globally, as of March 16, 2023, the WHO had reported 86,496 laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox and 111 deaths in 110 countries. Of the 1,420 cases of mpox reported in Africa as of March 16, 2023, Nigeria alone recorded 57.1% (812) of the confirmed cases and eight fatalities recorded in the continent. To help improve on the understanding of the current situation in Nigeria, the present study assessed the perception and knowledge of mpox among Nigerian healthcare workers, academics and tertiary students. The study also sought to highlight the global public health significance of the MPXV, and recommend a One Health approach to limit exporting of the virus beyond the borders of Nigeria., Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between 24 July 2022 and 12 August 2022 to evaluate the perception and knowledge of mpox among 1544 Nigerians, consisted of healthcare workers (n = 832), academics (n = 306) and tertiary students (n = 462). Data on the respondents' socio demographics and their information sources on mpox were also collected. Each correct response was allotted one point while an incorrect response was scored zero. The scores for perception and knowledge were dichotomized into positive (>5.5) and negative (≤5.5) and adequate (>5.8) and inadequate (≤5.8), respectively; using the average scores for perception and knowledge. The average score for perception and knowledge were summarised and presented as the mean and standard deviation (SD). Chi-square tests of association and binary logistic regression were carried out to determine factors associated with the outcome variables., Results: Of the 1452 respondents that had heard of mpox, 878 (60.5%) and 419 (28.9%) had adequate knowledge and positive perception concerning MPXV infection respectively. Average perception score was 5.5. Mean perception and knowledge scores were 4.5(SD: 2.0) and 5.8 (SD: 1.9), respectively. Factors that were significantly associated with knowledge level were age (p = 0.020) educational qualification attained (p = 0.004), occupation (p<0.001), and geopolitical zone of residency (p = 0.001). There was a positive correlation between perception and knowledge scores (r = 0.4, p<0.001). Positive perceptions were likely among respondents who had tertiary education, and residing in North-west Nigeria. Likewise, adequate knowledge scores were likely among respondents under 30 years of age, with tertiary education or reside in North-west Nigeria. Sources of information were significantly associated with perception (p = 0.004) and knowledge (p<0.001) of the respondents., Conclusion: The findings of this study show that there is disparity in the knowledge and perception of mpox in the study population, and as a result, there is a need to intensify awareness about MPXV infection to enhance positive perception among the respondents. This has potential to safeguard public health and contain the disease thus preventing it from spreading to the global community. A One Health approach involving animal and human health workers is imperative for improved knowledge and a good perception towards the disease among respondents, and enhanced active surveillance and early detection of MPXV in reservoir hosts (rodents and non-human primates); to prevent reverse zoonotic transmission of the virus at the human-animal interface., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Awoyomi et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 is characterized by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) facilitated by cytokine storm and other risk factors that increase susceptibility and complications leading to death. Emerging as a major global public health challenge, the disease has claimed more than 6 million lives and caused catastrophic global economic disruptions. However, there are concerns about the safety as well as the efficacy of drugs and vaccines presently used to control the pandemic, therefore necessitating intense global search for safe natural products that can effectively and safely combat it. This work reviews studies on lingzhi or reishi medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum and its properties that may potentially combat SARS-CoV-2 infection and the co-morbidities. Available evidence suggests that medicinal properties of the Ganoderma mushroom can combat the complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the co-morbidities that can aggravate the severity of the disease. Preclinical and clinical evaluation to establish dose, efficacy, and potential toxicity and possible use in the management of COVID-19 is recommended.

Purpose: Lassa fever is a zoonotic acute viral hemorrhagic disease caused by Lassa virus (LASV). There is currently no licensed vaccine for the prevention of the disease. This study is aimed at discovering immunodominant epitopes from the envelope glycoprotein of the Lassa mammarenavirus and designing of a multi-epitope vaccine candidate (VC)., Materials and Methods: The amino acid sequences of the envelope glycoprotein of 26 strains of LASV from five countries were selected. After evaluation for antigenicity, immunogenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity, immunodominant CD8, CD4, and linear B lymphocytes were also selected. The selected epitopes were modelled and a molecular docking with the appropriate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins was performed. Using an adjuvant and linkers, a multi-epitope VC was designed. The VC was evaluated for its physicochemical and immunological properties and structurally refined, validated, and mutated (disulphide engineering). The complex formed by the VC and the toll-like receptor-4 receptor was subjected to molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) followed by in silico cloning in a plasmid vector., Results: A VC with 203 sequences, 22.13 kDa weight, isoelectric point of 9.85 (basic), instability index value of 27.62, aliphatic index of 68.87, and GRAVY value of -0.455 (hydrophilic) emerged. The VC is predicted to be non-allergenic with antigenicity, MHC I immunogenicity, and solubility upon overexpression values of 0.81, 2.04, and 0.86 respectively. The VC also has an estimated half-life greater than 10 hours in Escherichia coli and showed stability in all the parameters of MDS., Conclusion: The VC shows good promise in the prevention of Lassa fever but further tests are required to validate its safety and efficacy., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported., (© Korean Vaccine Society.)

Background: The 2'-O-methyltransferase is responsible for the capping of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA and consequently the evasion of the host's immune system. This study aims at identifying prospective natural inhibitors of the active site of SARS-CoV-2 2'O-methyltransferase (2'-OMT) through an in silico approach., Materials and Methods: The target was docked against a library of natural compounds obtained from edible African plants using PyRx - virtual screening software. The antiviral agent, Dolutegravir which has a binding affinity score of -8.5 kcal mol -1 with the SARS-CoV-2 2'-OMT was used as a standard. Compounds were screened for bioavailability through the SWISSADME web server using their molecular descriptors. Screenings for pharmacokinetic properties and bioactivity were performed with PKCSM and Molinspiration web servers respectively. The PLIP and Fpocket webservers were used for the binding site analyses. The Galaxy webserver was used for simulating the time-resolved motions of the apo and holo forms of the target while the MDWeb web server was used for the analyses of the trajectory data., Results: The Root-Mean-Square-Deviation (RMSD) induced by Rhamnetin is 1.656A 0 compared to Dolutegravir (1.579A 0 ). The average B-factor induced by Rhamnetin is 113.75 while for Dolutegravir is 78.87; the Root-Mean-Square-Fluctuation (RMSF) for Rhamnetin is 0.75 and for Dolutegravir is 0.67. Also, at the active site, Rhamnetin also has a binding affinity score of -9.5 kcal mol -1 and forms 7 hydrogen bonds compared to Dolutegravir which has -8.5 kcal mol -1 and forms 4 hydrogen bonds respectively., Conclusion: Rhamnetin showed better inhibitory activity at the target's active site than Dolutegravir., (Copyright: © 2022 Afr. J. Infect. Diseases.)

COVID-19-infected patients require an intact immune system to suppress viral replication and prevent complications. However, the complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection that led to death were linked to the overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines known as cytokine storm syndrome. This article reported the various checkpoints targeted to manage the SARS-CoV-2-induced cytokine storm. The literature search was carried out using PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. Journal articles that discussed SARS-CoV-2 infection and cytokine storm were retrieved and appraised. Specific checkpoints identified in managing SARS-CoV-2 induced cytokine storm include a decrease in the level of Nod-Like Receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome where drugs such as quercetin and anakinra were effective. Janus kinase-2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (JAK2/STAT1) signaling pathways were blocked by medicines such as tocilizumab, baricitinib, and quercetin. In addition, inhibition of interleukin (IL)-6 with dexamethasone, tocilizumab, and sarilumab effectively treats cytokine storm and significantly reduces mortality caused by COVID-19. Blockade of IL-1 with drugs such as canakinumab and anakinra, and inhibition of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) with zanubrutinib and ibrutinib was also beneficial. These agents' overall mechanisms of action involve a decrease in circulating proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines and or blockade of their receptors. Consequently, the actions of these drugs significantly improve respiration and raise lymphocyte count and PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio. Targeting cytokine storms' pathogenesis genetic and molecular apparatus will substantially enhance lung function and reduce mortality due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Although it is the most common zoonosis worldwide, there are increasing reports of drug resistance and cases of relapse after long term treatment with the existing drugs of choice. This study therefore aims at identifying possible natural inhibitors of Brucella melitensis Methionyl-tRNA synthetase through an in-silico approach., Methods: Using PyRx 0.8 virtual screening software, the target was docked against a library of natural compounds obtained from edible African plants. The compound, 2-({3-[(3,5-dichlorobenzyl) amino] propyl} amino) quinolin-4(1H)-one (OOU) which is a co-crystallized ligand with the target was used as the reference compound. Screening of the molecular descriptors of the compounds for bioavailability, pharmacokinetic properties, and bioactivity was performed using the SWISSADME, pkCSM, and Molinspiration web servers respectively. The Fpocket and PLIP webservers were used to perform the analyses of the binding pockets and the protein ligand interactions. Analysis of the time-resolved trajectories of the Apo and Holo forms of the target was performed using the Galaxy and MDWeb servers., Results: The lead compounds, Strophanthidin and Isopteropodin are present in Corchorus olitorius and Uncaria tomentosa (Cat's-claw) plants respectively. Isopteropodin had a binding affinity score of -8.9 kcal / ml with the target and had 17 anti-correlating residues in Pocket 1 after molecular dynamics simulation. The complex formed by Isopteropodin and the target had a total RMSD of 4.408 and a total RMSF of 9.8067. However, Strophanthidin formed 3 hydrogen bonds with the target at ILE21, GLY262 and LEU294, and induced a total RMSF of 5.4541 at Pocket 1., Conclusion: Overall, Isopteropodin and Strophanthidin were found to be better drug candidates than OOU and they showed potentials to inhibit the Brucella melitensis Methionyl-tRNA synthetase at Pocket 1, hence abilities to treat brucellosis. In-vivo and in-vitro investigations are needed to further evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the lead compounds., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Introduction: Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder impairing memory and cognition. Alzheimer's Disease, followed by vascular dementia - the most typical form. Risk factors for vascular dementia include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia. Lipids' levels are significantly associated with vascular changes in the brain., Areas Covered: The present article reviews the cholesterol metabolism in the brain, which includes: the synthesis, transport, storage, and elimination process. Additionally, it reviews the role of cholesterol in the pathogenesis of dementia and statin as a therapeutic intervention in dementia. In addition to the above, it further reviews evidence in support of as well as against statin therapy in dementia, recent updates of statin pharmacology, and demerits of use of statin pharmacotherapy., Expert Opinion: Amyloid-β peptides and intraneuronal neurofibrillary tangles are markers of Alzheimer's disease. Evidence shows cholesterol modulates the functioning of enzymes associated with Amyloid-β peptide processing and synthesis. Lowering cholesterol using statin may help prevent or delay the progression of dementia. This paper reviews the role of statin in dementia and recommends extensive future studies, including genetic research, to obtain a precise medication approach for patients with dementia.

Objectives: The Human Telomerase enzyme has become a drug target in the treatment of cancers and age-related disorders. This study aims to identify potential natural inhibitors of the Human Telomerase from compounds derived from edible African plants., Materials and Methods: A library of 1,126 natural compounds was molecularly docked against the Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (PDB ID: 5ugw), the catalytic subunit of the target protein. Curcumin, a known Telomerase inhibitor was used as the standard. The front-runner compounds were screened for bioavailability, pharmacokinetic properties, and bioactivity using the SWISSADME, PKCSM, and Molinspiration webservers respectively. The molecular dynamic simulation and analyses of the apo and holo proteins were performed by the Galaxy supercomputing webserver., Results: The results of the molecular docking and virtual screening reveal Augustamine and Camptothecin as lead compounds. Augustamine has better drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties while Camptothecin showed better bioactivity and stronger binding affinity (-8.2 kcal/mol) with the target. The holo structure formed by Camptothecin showed greater inhibitory activity against the target with a total RMSF of 169.853, B-Factor of 20.164, and 108 anti-correlating residues., Conclusion: Though they both act at the same binding site, Camptothecin induces greater Telomerase inhibition and better molecular stability than the standard, Curcumin. Further tests are required to investigate the inhibitory activities of the lead compounds., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2 is a tester of the immune system. While it spares the healthy, it brings severe morbidity and in a few cases, mortality to its victims. This article aims at critically reviewing the key virulence factors of COVID-19 which are the viremia, cellular oxidation and immune dysfunction. The averse economic effect of certain disease control measures such as national lock-downs and social distancing, though beneficial, makes them unsustainable. Worse still is the fact that wild animals and domestic pets are carriers of SARS-CoV-2 suggesting that the disease would take longer than expected to be eradicated globally. A better understanding of the pathological dynamics of COVID-19 would help the general populace to prepare for possible infection by the invisible enemy. While the world prospects for vaccines and therapeutic agents against the SARS-CoV-2, clinicians should also seek to modulate the immune system for optimum performance. Immunoprophylactic and immunomodulatory strategies are recommended for the different strata of stakeholders combating the pandemic with the hope that morbidities and mortalities associated with COVID-19 would be drastically reduced., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright: Adekunle Babajide Rowaiye et al.)

The global incidence of cancer is on the increase and researchers are prospecting for specific and non-selective therapies derived from the immune system. The killer activating receptors of NK cells are known to be involved in immunosurveillance against tumor and virally-infected cells. These receptors belong to two main categories, namely the immunoglobulin like and C-lectin like families. Though they have different signal pathways, all the killer activating receptors have similar effector functions which include direct cytotoxicity and the release of inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. To transduce signals that exceed the activation threshold for cytotoxicity, most of these receptors require synergistic effort. This review profiles 21 receptors: 13 immunoglobulin-like, 5 lectin-like, and 3 others. It critically explores their structural uniqueness, role in disease, respective transduction signal pathways and their status as current and prospective targets for cancer immunotherapy. While the native ligands of most of these receptors are known, much work is required to prospect for specific antibodies, peptides and multi-target small molecules with high binding affinities., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)