COVID-19 continues to puzzle the world. The scientists and health systems are behind the virus to find a solution to the problem. Vaccines are considered as a solution for the problem. But the efficacy of the existing vaccines against the mutations of the virus creates doubts in people.
The vaccines are being tested against the new mutations as they evolve. But considering the number of mutations the virus may undergo, there is scope for new solutions. Super anti-bodies are considered as one of the potential solutions.
Super anti-bodies are anti-bodies from unique individuals who have extraordinary immune power. Super antibodies neutralize more than 90% of the coronavirus mutations.
How do super antibodies work?
Super anti-bodies attack or target the spike proteins of the virus. Spike proteins help the virus to build more anchoring points in its body that make them easy to hold on to.
Anti-body treatment is given to patients who cannot be administered with vaccines. Taking super antibodies into consideration, this treatment method will be very effective.
How are super anti-bodies produced?
Super antibodies are extracted from unique individuals who have very high immune power. They are found in less than 5% of the people. So it makes the large-scale production of these antibodies challenging.
Is there any existing treatment with antibodies?
An antibody therapy practiced since May 2021 with FDA approval use Sotrovimab. It can be administered to a person above 12 years of age who weigh above 40 kg.
However, the treatment with Sotrovimad is not advised for patients with severe COVID-19 conditions. Sotrovimab avoids conditions for hospitalization and death when used early.
With the discovery of the super antibodies, the therapy can be improved. Even then, the therapy is not advised in patients with severe COVID -19 conditions.
Monoclonal and Polyclonal antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies, otherwise called as mAbs, are those antibodies that bind to one specific site of the antigen. Polyclonal antibodies bind on multiple sites on a specific antigen.
Super antibodies are monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies are better than polyclonal antibodies. Polyclonal antibodies may cross-react with other proteins lead to complications.
Vaccination Vs. Antibody treatment
Vaccination and Antibody treatment are two effective methods to fight against coronavirus.
While vaccination offers active immunity, antibody treatment is considered passive.
Antibody treatment is used in COVID-19 patients. They offer an immediate response against the infection. It is like introducing a group of soldiers into the army who knows how to fight the new enemy.
Vaccines are like trainers. They train the immune system to fight against the possible attack of an enemy, the virus, in the case of COVID -19. They work only after 1-2 weeks after administration.
Super anti-body treatments have the edge that they shield the existing variants and the possible variants of the virus. Vaccines producers are also in the process of continuous development. Like super anti-bodies, scientists are looking forward to having super vaccines. Super vaccines are expected to have the capacity to fight against all mutations.
For more information:
1.‘Super-antibodies’ could curb COVID-19 and help avert future pandemics
1.‘Super-antibodies’ could curb COVID-19 and help avert future pandemics
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