If we are locked in a battle with the virus causing COVID-19, then antibodies are in the forward line of our immune systems. These microscopic, Y-shaped proteins attach to spikes on the outside of viruses, preventing them entering our body cells. A new breed of monoclonal antibodies will be trialing in the UK in a couple weeks’ time.
Source of Monoclonal Antibodies Trialing in the UK
Perhaps we should begin by explaining what ‘monoclonal means’. That’s because mono means ‘one’ or ‘alone’, as in monotonous meaning lacking variety, variation and interest. While clone means an identical copy. Put this together and monoclonal antibodies are always exactly the same.
US biotech company Regeneron has traced an antibody that is especially adept at attaching to SARS-CoV-2 spikes. They have cloned it in huge quantities. Its president hopes these monoclonal antibodies trialing in the UK will be as effective as their Ebola project.
Answers Regeneron Hopes their Obtain From the UK Tests
Prof Martin Landray from University of Oxford is co-leading the Recovery Trial as UK representative. He told BBC reporter Rebecca Morelle they hope to learn how effective the monoclonal antibodies trialing in the UK are. That’s particularly how well they work with different age groups, and at at different disease severity levels too.
We will likely still need monoclonal treatments like this, and also blood plasma, long after we have a successful vaccine. That’s because immuno-compromised and elderly people may still have weak immune systems, and need helpful medication to pull through. We begin to feel a thrill of excitement building, and a sense of achievement as COVID-19 trials rack up.
We have followed this story since the days China had those first pneumonia cases. And the world woke up and asked ‘what’s that’. ‘That’ has turned out to be a medical disaster the Bill and Melinda Foundation says set back global development 20 years.
Related
High Antibody Rate Among South Africans
New Antibody Test is a Positive Development
Preview Image: Antibodies and Pathogens
