2014-09 to 2018-09 | Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Hons.) (Department of Biomedical Science)
2019-09-25 to 2022-09-29 | PhD (Institute for Advanced Studies)
Heterologous immunity and antibody-dependent enhancement in respiratory virus infections Nur Hidayah Nor Isamuddin, Sazaly AbuBakar, Kim-Ling Chin, Nurhafiza Zainal Molecular Biology Reports, 2026 Respiratory viruses such as influenza viruses and coronaviruses pose persistent and evolving threats to global public health, driven by diverse mechanisms of immune evasion, cross-species transmission, and pandemic potential. Understanding the interplay between heterologous immunity and antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) is crucial in delineating both protective and pathogenic immune responses following infection or vaccination. This review synthesizes current advances in the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying virus-agnostic innate defenses, adaptive receptor diversification via V(D)J recombination, and the structural and functional bases of T and B cell cross-reactivity. The dualistic nature of antibody responses is examined in the context of Fc receptor- and complement-mediated ADE, emphasizing the implications for immune protection versus immunopathology. The impact of pre-existing cross-reactive immunity, primed by prior exposures to antigenically distinct viruses or vaccines, is discussed with evidence from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic and other seasonal respiratory outbreaks. Finally, the review evaluates recent progress and ongoing challenges in universal vaccine development, proposing that the rational harnessing of broad-spectrum and cross-reactive immune mechanisms will be essential for enhancing pandemic preparedness and mitigating the risks associated with immune enhancement phenomena.
Biochemical, Toxicological, and In Silico Aspects of Holm Oak (Quercus baloot Griff.): A Rich Source of Natural Bioactive Compounds Farhan Ahmad, Aqsa Hanif, Shahzaib Ali, Muhammad Adnan Iqbal, Rimsha Kanwal, Iram Hussain, Maryam Khalid, Haris Nadeem, Chin Kim Ling, Syed Mahmood, Adnan Majeed, Ashfaq Ahmad Chemistry and Biodiversity, 2025 Species within the Quercus genus hold significant therapeutic value and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. This study aimed to identify, analyze, and evaluate the phytochemicals from Quercus baloot Griff. leaves using n ‐hexane (Q 1 ) and ethanol (Q 2 ) extracts against the Huh7 liver cancer cell line and bacterial strains Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . The chemical compositions of Q 1 and Q 2 were assessed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Molecular docking, density functional theory, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) studies were conducted using PyRx virtual screening, Gaussian, SwissADME, StopTox, and Protox. Spectroscopic analysis identified nine key phytochemicals: phloroglucinol, proline betaine, coniine, conhydrine, methyl acetate, 2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline, oleuropein aglycone, daidzein, and apigenin. In silico studies suggested that oleuropein aglycone, daidzein, and apigenin could serve as future inhibitors. Molecular docking revealed their strong binding interactions with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase (PDB‐1M17). Antibacterial assays showed that Q 2 had greater inhibitory effects on E. coli (19 mm) and S. aureus (20 mm). Q 2 also exhibited higher % inhibition (70.94 ± 5.64) against Huh7 cells than Q 1 (48.82 ± 4.53). These findings suggest that Q. baloot phytochemicals could be potential liver cancer modulators.
Antimicrobial properties of Sonchus species: A review Nurin Naziha Zulkefle, Nurhafiza Zainal, Dwi Kusuma Wahyuni, Syed Mahmood, Kivaandra Dayaa Rao Ramarao, Kim Ling Chin Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2025 As a rich source of bioactive compounds, plant-derived natural products hold immense promise for pharmaceutical research and development, offering a path to discovering new drug targets and innovative treatments. Sonchus species, commonly known as sow thistles, are widely distributed across various geographical regions. Several common species within this plant group have a long history of use in traditional medicine, which can be attributed to their diverse therapeutic benefits. Recently, these plants have gained attention for their potential in antimicrobial therapy, owing to their rich phytochemical profile, including sesquiterpene, flavonoids, and phenolic acids with known antimicrobial activities. Currently, available pharmacological studies demonstrate that Sonchus species extracts possess antimicrobial properties, highlighting their potential as sources for new therapeutic agents. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on the antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral activities of the Sonchus species, along with its possible mechanisms of action. The review aims to provide directions for future research and promote the exploration of these plants as viable sources of natural antimicrobial agents, potentially contributing to the development of alternative therapeutic strategies in the face of rising antibiotic resistance.
Antiviral immune responses in human reproductive tract: Pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic implications Kim-Ling Chin, Nurhafiza Zainal Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2025 Viral reproductive tract infections (VRTIs) are a significant global health concern with severe consequences, including infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and increased risk of HIV transmission. Complex interplay between pathogens and the host immune system plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and treatment of VRTIs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted roles of the immune system in both contributing to and combating VRTIs. The review will also address the consequent perturbations in immune homeostasis and the implications for disease manifestation and progression. The interrelation between systemic immunity and local immune responses is discussed, providing insights into the challenges and breakthroughs in managing these infections. By providing a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms, implications, and therapeutic strategies associated with viral reproductive tract infections and immune dysfunction, this review also informs future research and clinical practice in this important area of reproductive health.
Role of the epitranscriptome in viral infections: beneficial or detrimental? Muhammad Fawwaz Abdullah, Sing Yee Kok, Nurhafiza Zainal, Sazaly AbuBakar, Kim Ling Chin Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 2025 Epitranscriptomics, the study of post-transcriptional chemical base modifications of RNAs, has become a crucial area of research for understanding the complex interactions between viruses and their hosts. These RNA modifications significantly impact both viral and host RNA functions, influencing viral replication, transcription, translation, and immune evasion. The advancement of high-throughput technologies, such as mass spectrometry-based techniques and next-generation sequencing, has enabled researchers to investigate epitranscriptomic modifications and their roles in gene regulation in greater depth. Viral RNAs often carry various epitranscriptomic modifications that facilitate their stability and translation, enabling viruses to hijack the host environment, enhance replication, and evade immune defences. Conversely, host epitranscriptomic modifications can enhance antiviral responses by regulating gene expression and promoting the degradation of viral RNAs. This dual role underscores the complexity of virus-host dynamics, where epitranscriptomic modifications can be both beneficial and detrimental. This review aims to provide an overview of current knowledge on epitranscriptomic modifications in viral infections, focusing on their roles in viral replication and immune interactions, while considering their potential as targets for antiviral therapeutic intervention.
Antiviral effects of resveratrol against the replication of chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis viruses in vitro Nor Isamuddin N.H. Tropical Biomedicine, 2025 Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) are mosquito-borne arboviruses that pose significant public health risks, especially in tropical regions like Malaysia. CHIKV is linked to joint and muscle pain, while JEV can cause severe neurological illnesses and encephalitis if untreated. With no specific treatments available, research into potential antivirals is crucial. This study investigates the inhibitory potential of resveratrol (RES) against CHIKV and JEV in vitro. Cytotoxicity of RES was assessed on human adenocarcinoma alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549) using the MTS assay, followed by dose-dependent analyses to determine optimal inhibitory concentrations. Antiviral effects were explored through pre-infection, post-infection, virucidal, and anti-adsorption assays, with virus titres measured via plaque and foci-forming assays for CHIKV and JEV, respectively. Results revealed that RES's pre- and post-infection treatments significantly reduced titres of both viruses in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, CHIKV titres were reduced by over 65% (p < 0.01) when treated with 100 µM RES, whether administered pre-infection or post-infection. For JEV, a reduction of over 93% (p < 0.05) was observed only with post-infection treatment, while pre-infection treatment alone did not yield a significant reduction. In addition, both pre-incubation and anti-adsorption assays for CHIKV and JEV showed no significant results. These findings suggest that RES likely inhibits viral replication by modulating host cellular mechanisms rather than directly targeting the viruses. In summary, this study demonstrates that RES exhibits antiviral properties against CHIKV and JEV replication, underscoring its potential as an effective antiviral agent. However, further in vivo studies are needed to fully evaluate its therapeutic potential and efficacy.
The role of inflammatory gene polymorphisms in severe COVID-19: a review Jia Qi Yip, Adrian Oo, Yan Ling Ng, Kim Ling Chin, Kim-Kee Tan, Justin Jang Hann Chu, Sazaly AbuBakar, Nurhafiza Zainal Virology Journal, 2024 The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has profoundly impacted global healthcare systems and spurred extensive research efforts over the past three years. One critical aspect of the disease is the intricate interplay between the virus and the host immune response, particularly the role of inflammatory gene expression in severe COVID-19. While numerous previous studies have explored the role of genetic polymorphisms in COVID-19, research specifically focusing on inflammatory genes and their associations with disease severity remains limited. This review explores the relationship between severe COVID-19 outcomes and genetic polymorphisms within key inflammatory genes. By investigating the impact of genetic variations on immune responses, which include cytokine production and downstream signalling pathways, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of how genetic polymorphisms contribute to the variability in disease presentation. Through an in-depth analysis of existing literature, we shed light on potential therapeutic targets and personalized approaches that may enhance our understanding of disease pathogenesis and treatment strategies.
Association of total and dengue-specific IgE levels in the sera with dengue virus inhibition and antibody-dependent enhancement D. S. Annsley, K. L. Chin, K. Tan, S. AbuBakar, N. Zainal Tropical Biomedicine, 2024 Dengue, caused by the dengue virus (DENV), poses a significant global health challenge. Effective vaccines and treatments for dengue are lacking due to gaps in understanding its pathogenesis and mechanisms in severe cases. This study investigates the role of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in dengue, focusing on its potential association with virus neutralization and antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) in DENV replication. Serum samples were obtained from dengue-positive (dengue-IgG positive), SLE (dengue-IgG negative), and control (dengue-IgG and SLE-negative) individuals. SLE sera were included as a control for their high total IgE levels. Total IgE and dengue-specific IgE levels were measured using ELISA. Neutralization assays in Vero and KU812 cells were conducted to assess virus neutralization and ADE, respectively. Dengue-positive and SLE sera showed higher total IgE levels than control sera, although there was no significance seen. Dengue-positive sera showed the presence of dengue-specific IgE, whereas SLE and control sera exhibited negligible levels. Neutralization assay in dengue-positive sera revealed no correlation between IgE levels and virus inhibition. SLE sera, however, demonstrated an inverse correlation between total IgE levels and DENV neutralization, suggesting a potential involvement of total IgE in DENV replication in the context of SLE. Seventy-eight percent of SLE sera, 65% of denguepositive and 54% of control sera exhibited enhanced virus replication in KU812 cells with serum compared to virus alone, indicating the highest occurrence of ADE in SLE, followed by dengue-positive and control sera. DENV expression in KU812 cells was notably higher in SLE sera, indicating increased ADE risk. However, no association was found between IgE levels and virus expression in KU812 cells across all groups. The inverse correlation between total IgE levels and DENV neutralization in SLE sera suggests that IgE may facilitate virus replication. Further comprehensive exploration is needed to fully understand the role of IgE in dengue pathogenesis.
Impact of elevated IgE in protective immunity and immunopathology of dengu Annsley D.S. Tropical Biomedicine, 2024 Dengue is a mosquito-transmitted infection endemic in tropical and subtropical locations of the world where nearly half of the world's population resides. The disease may present as mild febrile illness to severe and can even be fatal if untreated. There are four genetically related but antigenically distinct dengue virus (DENV) serotypes. Immune responses to DENV infection are in general protective but under certain conditions, they can also aggravate the disease. The importance of the cellular immune responses and the antibody responses involving IgG and IgM has been well-studied. In contrast, not much has been described on the potential role of hypersensitivity reactions involving IgE in dengue. Several studies have shown elevated levels of IgE in patients with dengue fever, but its involvement in the immune response against the virus and disease is unknown. Activation of mast cells (MCs) and basophils mediated through dengue-specific IgE could result in the release of mediators affecting dengue virus infection. The present review explores the relationships between the induction of IgE in dengue virus infection, and the potential role of MCs and basophils, exploring both protective and pathogenic aspects, including antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection in dengue.
Therapeutic Potential of Silver Nanoparticles in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Pathogenesis to Clinical Perspectives MMK Alawi, M Raahim, M Kumar, KL Chin, P Aramwit, S Mahmood International Journal of Nanomedicine, 573137 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Heterologous immunity and antibody-dependent enhancement in respiratory virus infections NH Nor Isamuddin, S AbuBakar, KL Chin, N Zainal Molecular Biology Reports 53 (1), 1-13 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
CD5L as a potential immunomodulator in dengue severity N Zainal, NLA Megasari, CK Ling, LJ Lin, A Abdullah Journal of Vector Borne Diseases, 10.4103 , 2026 2026
Integrating Scientific Concerns on Antibody-Dependent Enhancement and Cross-Reactive Immunity with Cultural Contexts: A “Better Safe than Sorry” Model for Public Acceptance of … MSMR Aznan, YM Yusoff, NA Hasim, NS Rusly, MI Mokhtar, KL Chin, ... 2025
Role of the epitranscriptome in viral infections: beneficial or detrimental? MF Abdullah, KS Yee, N Zainal, S AbuBakar, CK Ling Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz 120, e250055 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Antimicrobial properties of Sonchus species: A review NN Zulkefle, N Zainal, DK Wahyuni, S Mahmood, KDR Ramarao, KL Chin Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 15 (5), 177-188 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Antiviral immune responses in human reproductive tract: Pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic implications KL Chin, N Zainal Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine 18 (2), 67-76 , 2025 2025
Unveiling the anticancer potential of Conyza bonariensis: integrative analysis through LC-MS, DFT, and molecular docking S Batool, I Hussain, M Sheikh, MA Iqbal, KL Chin, S Mahmood, M Aftab, ... New Journal of Chemistry 49 (31), 13474-13488 , 2025 2025
RESEARCH ARTICLE Antiviral effects of resveratrol against the replication of chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis viruses in vitro NH Nor Isamuddin, NF Hanuar, S AbuBakar, KK Tan, KL Chin, N Zainal Tropical Biomedicine 42 (2), 184-193 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Knowledge, Awareness, and Practices of Menstrual Cup Usage among Malaysia's Undergraduate Students YK Law, CS Fong, KL Chin e-BANGI 22 (1), 109-122 , 2025 2025
The role of inflammatory gene polymorphisms in severe COVID-19: a review JQ Yip, A Oo, YL Ng, KL Chin, KK Tan, JJH Chu, S AbuBakar, N Zainal Virology Journal 21 (1), 327 , 2024 2024 Citations: 11
RESEARCH ARTICLE Association of total and dengue-specific IgE levels in the sera with dengue virus inhibition and antibody-dependent enhancement DS Annsley, KL Chin, KK Tan, S AbuBakar, N Zainal Tropical Biomedicine 41 (4), 481-490 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
RESEARCH ARTICLE Impact of elevated IgE in protective immunity and immunopathology of dengue DS Annsley, KL Chin, KK Tan, S AbuBakar, N Zainal Tropical Biomedicine 41 (1), 118-124 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Resveratrol as an epigenetic therapy for flavivirus infection: A narrative review KL Chin, KK Tan, SA Bakar, N Zainal Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine 16 (12), 546-557 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
Resveratrol Treatment-induced Nuclear HMGB1 Retention is Critical for Inducing Host Interferon Responses Against Zika Virus KL Chin, N Zainal, SS Sam, S Abu Bakar The Natural Products Journal 13 (6), 91-107 , 2023 2023 Citations: 2
Epidemiological serosurvey of chikungunya fever post outbreak at Tanjung Sepat, Malaysia CS Khor, BT Teoh, SS Sam, HY Khoo, NS Azizan, AA CheMatSeri, ... The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 17 (01), 118-124 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
Development of a TaqMan minor groove binding probe-based quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for the detection and quantification of Zika virus. KL Chin, BT Teoh, SS Sam, SK Loong, KK Tan, NS Azizan, YK Lim, ... 2022 Citations: 1
Intracellular translocation of HMGB1 is important for Zika virus replication in Huh7 cells KL Chin, N Zainal, SS Sam, P Hassandarvish, R Lani, S AbuBakar Scientific reports 12 (1), 1054 , 2022 2022 Citations: 11
A reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification for broad coverage detection of Asian and African Zika virus lineages BT Teoh, KL Chin, NI Samsudin, SK Loong, SS Sam, KK Tan, CS Khor, ... BMC infectious diseases 20 (1), 947 , 2020 2020 Citations: 7
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
The role of inflammatory gene polymorphisms in severe COVID-19: a review JQ Yip, A Oo, YL Ng, KL Chin, KK Tan, JJH Chu, S AbuBakar, N Zainal Virology Journal 21 (1), 327 , 2024 2024 Citations: 11
Intracellular translocation of HMGB1 is important for Zika virus replication in Huh7 cells KL Chin, N Zainal, SS Sam, P Hassandarvish, R Lani, S AbuBakar Scientific reports 12 (1), 1054 , 2022 2022 Citations: 11
A reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification for broad coverage detection of Asian and African Zika virus lineages BT Teoh, KL Chin, NI Samsudin, SK Loong, SS Sam, KK Tan, CS Khor, ... BMC infectious diseases 20 (1), 947 , 2020 2020 Citations: 7
Antimicrobial properties of Sonchus species: A review NN Zulkefle, N Zainal, DK Wahyuni, S Mahmood, KDR Ramarao, KL Chin Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine 15 (5), 177-188 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
RESEARCH ARTICLE Association of total and dengue-specific IgE levels in the sera with dengue virus inhibition and antibody-dependent enhancement DS Annsley, KL Chin, KK Tan, S AbuBakar, N Zainal Tropical Biomedicine 41 (4), 481-490 , 2024 2024 Citations: 3
Resveratrol as an epigenetic therapy for flavivirus infection: A narrative review KL Chin, KK Tan, SA Bakar, N Zainal Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine 16 (12), 546-557 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
Epidemiological serosurvey of chikungunya fever post outbreak at Tanjung Sepat, Malaysia CS Khor, BT Teoh, SS Sam, HY Khoo, NS Azizan, AA CheMatSeri, ... The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 17 (01), 118-124 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
RESEARCH ARTICLE Impact of elevated IgE in protective immunity and immunopathology of dengue DS Annsley, KL Chin, KK Tan, S AbuBakar, N Zainal Tropical Biomedicine 41 (1), 118-124 , 2024 2024 Citations: 2
Resveratrol Treatment-induced Nuclear HMGB1 Retention is Critical for Inducing Host Interferon Responses Against Zika Virus KL Chin, N Zainal, SS Sam, S Abu Bakar The Natural Products Journal 13 (6), 91-107 , 2023 2023 Citations: 2
Therapeutic Potential of Silver Nanoparticles in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Pathogenesis to Clinical Perspectives MMK Alawi, M Raahim, M Kumar, KL Chin, P Aramwit, S Mahmood International Journal of Nanomedicine, 573137 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Heterologous immunity and antibody-dependent enhancement in respiratory virus infections NH Nor Isamuddin, S AbuBakar, KL Chin, N Zainal Molecular Biology Reports 53 (1), 1-13 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Role of the epitranscriptome in viral infections: beneficial or detrimental? MF Abdullah, KS Yee, N Zainal, S AbuBakar, CK Ling Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz 120, e250055 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
RESEARCH ARTICLE Antiviral effects of resveratrol against the replication of chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis viruses in vitro NH Nor Isamuddin, NF Hanuar, S AbuBakar, KK Tan, KL Chin, N Zainal Tropical Biomedicine 42 (2), 184-193 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Development of a TaqMan minor groove binding probe-based quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for the detection and quantification of Zika virus. KL Chin, BT Teoh, SS Sam, SK Loong, KK Tan, NS Azizan, YK Lim, ... 2022 Citations: 1
CD5L as a potential immunomodulator in dengue severity N Zainal, NLA Megasari, CK Ling, LJ Lin, A Abdullah Journal of Vector Borne Diseases, 10.4103 , 2026 2026
Integrating Scientific Concerns on Antibody-Dependent Enhancement and Cross-Reactive Immunity with Cultural Contexts: A “Better Safe than Sorry” Model for Public Acceptance of … MSMR Aznan, YM Yusoff, NA Hasim, NS Rusly, MI Mokhtar, KL Chin, ... 2025
Antiviral immune responses in human reproductive tract: Pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic implications KL Chin, N Zainal Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine 18 (2), 67-76 , 2025 2025
Unveiling the anticancer potential of Conyza bonariensis: integrative analysis through LC-MS, DFT, and molecular docking S Batool, I Hussain, M Sheikh, MA Iqbal, KL Chin, S Mahmood, M Aftab, ... New Journal of Chemistry 49 (31), 13474-13488 , 2025 2025
Knowledge, Awareness, and Practices of Menstrual Cup Usage among Malaysia's Undergraduate Students YK Law, CS Fong, KL Chin e-BANGI 22 (1), 109-122 , 2025 2025
