Q. With reference to monoclonal antibodies, often mentioned in news, consider the following statements:
I. They are man-made proteins.
II. They stimulate immunological function due to their ability to bind to specific antigens.
III. They are used in treating viral infections like that of Nipah virus.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Exp) Option d is the correct answer.
Statement I is correct: Monoclonal antibodies are man-made antibodies artificially created in laboratories using biotechnology. Scientists produce them by cloning a single white blood cell (B-cell) that produces a desired antibody. Since all the antibodies are copies (clones) of one original cell, they are called monoclonal antibodies.
These proteins are designed to mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.
Statement II is correct: Monoclonal antibodies are highly specific – they are engineered to bind to a particular antigen (a molecule or protein found on the surface of pathogens or abnormal cells). This binding can:
- Neutralize the pathogen (by blocking its activity),
- Mark it for destruction by other immune cells,
- Or block receptors that the virus uses to enter human cells.
By binding to these specific targets, mAbs enhance the immune response and help the body fight disease more effectively.
Statement III is correct: Monoclonal antibodies have been developed as therapeutic options for several viral infections, including:
- COVID-19 (e.g., Casirivimab and Imdevimab)
- Ebola virus (e.g., Inmazeb, Ebanga)
- Nipah virus: A monoclonal antibody called m102.4 has shown potential against the Nipah virus. It was used under compassionate use protocols in a few cases and is under further clinical investigation.
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