Adaptive Human Antibodies Combat SARS-CoV-2 Mutations
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused worldwide havoc for nearly two years, and rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 puts humanity in a vulnerable position. In this situation of crisis, adaptive human antibodies come forward as one of the best solutions to combat new mutations of the virus, bringing some hope in the fight against COVID-19.
What are Adaptive Human Antibodies?
Adaptive human antibodies are a type of protein that our immune system produces in response to foreign invaders, such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. These antibodies have the ability to bind to the virus and block its entry into the host cell; thereby, preventing the infection from multiplying in the body. Antibodies recognize specific components on the surface of the virus – the spike protein in the case of SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, unlike therapeutic antibodies, adaptive human antibodies are produced naturally in response to infection or vaccination.
The Role of Adaptive Human Antibodies in SARS-CoV-2
Researchers discovered a multitude of SARS-CoV-2 strains and mutations in the past year. The Delta variant, Beta variant, and Lambda variant are just a few that have become the major concern in several countries worldwide. New analysis showed that the mutations resulted in changes in the structure of the spike protein, making it difficult for the existing vaccines to work effectively. However, adaptive human antibodies can adapt to these mutations to provide an effective defence against the virus.
Developing Adaptive Human Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Mutations
The spike protein is a target of most of the COVID-19 vaccines. Adaptive human antibodies, however, target different parts of the spike protein that are not directly responsible for vaccine protection. Researchers have found that the patient’s immune system, naturally evolved, antibodies can attack the new variant and neutralize the virus’s mutation. As a result, scientists are working to discover these adaptive human antibodies from the blood of people who recovered from COVID-19 or newly vaccinated.
The Advantages of Adaptive Human Antibodies
Adaptive human antibodies have several advantages over traditional therapies in their use. Firstly, human antibodies are safe and well-tolerated, with a reduced chance of adverse effects required for their delivery. Secondly, because human antibodies are a natural product of our immune system, they appear to have no toxicity issue arising from foreign substances introduced by synthesized therapies. Finally, they can quickly develop in response to infection or vaccination and have been shown to be durable.
The Future of Adaptive Human Antibodies against COVID-19
Antibody-based antiviral therapies have been used successfully for various viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C. They have the potential to be applied similarly for COVID-19, particularly in the context of new and challenging variants. Development and application of adaptive human antibodies therapies are ongoing, and they are being closely monitored to see their effectiveness in treating the COVID-19 infection.
Summary:
Adaptive human antibodies are a vital source of COVID-19 management. SARS-CoV-2 mutations impose significant challenges in controlling the virus. Adaptive human antibodies can tackle these challenges since they can respond to the new variants effectively. Researchers are working hard to extract these natural antibodies from survivors of the COVID-19 virus. In the future, adaptive human antibodies may become an effective treatment approach for COVID-19.
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