Serum Institute of India, IAVI and Merck join forces to develop COVID-19 antibodies
Red Book
Red Book

Interview Guidance Program (IGP) for UPSC CSE 2024, Registrations Open Click Here to know more and registration

News: Serum Institute of India(SII) and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) have announced an agreement with pharmaceutical major Merck to develop SARS-CoV-2 neutralising monoclonal antibodies(mAbs).

Facts:

  • What are Monoclonal Antibodies? They are man-made proteins that act like human antibodies in the immune system.They are made by cloning a unique white blood cell.
  • Features:
    • Monoclonal antibodies can have monovalent affinity, binding only to the same epitope (the part of an antigen that is recognized by the antibody).
    • They are designed to perform many roles like they can be used to carry drugs, toxins or radioactive substances directly to the cancer cells.

Additional Facts:

  • Antibody: It is a protein produced by the body’s immune system when it detects harmful substances called antigens.
  • Antigen: It is a toxin or other foreign substance which induces an immune response in the body especially the production of antibodies.
  • Epitope: It is a portion of a foreign protein or antigen that is capable of stimulating an immune response.

Discover more from Free UPSC IAS Preparation Syllabus and Materials For Aspirants

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Print Friendly and PDF
Blog
Academy
Community