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IISc has developed ‘Synthetic Antibody’ for Snakebite Treatment – 10 Key Facts
Table of Contents
Introduction to Development of Synthetic Human Antibody by IISc
Welcome to PreCrack! Recently Scientists at IISc (Indian Institute of Sciences) and Scripps Research developed a synthetic antibody that helps in neutralizing deadly snake venom. This step is considered a step towards universal antivenom.
If you are preparing for major competitive examination, then knowing about this development which is directly related to research and development of science field, will help you to cover information for your UPSC Current Affairs syllabus. If you are willing to know about this news in detail, then in this blog, we will provide you all details about Newly Developed Synthetic Human Antibody by IISc.
So, let’s start-
Read Also | What is Autoimmune Disease?
What is news about? – UPSC Current Affairs on Synthetic Antibody for Snakebite Treatment
On 22nd February, 2024, Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Scripps Research Institute have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by developing a synthetic human antibody capable of neutralizing a potent neurotoxin found in highly toxic snakes of the Elapidae family.
In this family we can get many dangerous snakes such as cobras, king cobras, kraits, and black mambas. The team applied an innovative strategy used for HIV and COVID-19 antibody screening to synthesize this venom-neutralizing antibody, marking the first such application for snakebite treatment.
The development holds promise for a universal antibody solution, offering broad protection against diverse snake venoms. Current antivenom production involves injecting snake venom into animals, but the synthetic antibody, targeting a conserved region in the venom’s core, bypasses this process.
Tests on animal models demonstrated nearly 15 times the efficacy of conventional antivenom, even with delayed administration. The breakthrough not only addresses challenges in antivenom production but also presents a humane and effective approach to snakebite treatment, potentially revolutionizing global outcomes for snakebite victims.
Source – IISc’s Official Press Release
About Synthetic Antibody for Snakebite Treatment
You should be aware of these key points about this development of new synthetic human antibody-
- IISc and Scripps Research develop synthetic human antibody.
- Targets neurotoxin in Elapidae family snakes (cobra, krait, black mamba).
- Approach adapted from HIV and COVID-19 antibody screening.
- First application of strategy for snakebite treatment.
- Aims for a universal antibody solution against various snake venoms.
- Current antivenom production involves animal injection, leading to issues.
- Antibody targets conserved region in venom’s core, a three-finger toxin (3FTx).
- Developed from a library of artificial antibodies displayed on yeast cell surfaces.
- Shows strong binding to various 3FTxs from elapid snakes globally.
- Tests on animal models, including mice, demonstrate nearly 15 times efficacy.
- Crystal structure analysis reveals antibody mimics toxin-binding site.
- Human-derived cell lines used for antibody production, avoiding animal harm.
- Potential for combined antivenom therapy and future clinical trials.
- Promising step towards a more effective, humane, and universal snakebite treatment.
What are Antibodies?
Antibodies are essential proteins created by our immune system to defend against harmful invaders like viruses and bacteria. Shaped like a Y, antibodies possess specific sites that bind to foreign substances, marking them for elimination.
They act as the body’s defense mechanism, recognizing and neutralizing pathogens. Whether generated naturally in response to infections or introduced through vaccinations, antibodies play a vital role in immunity.
Not only do they combat current threats, but they also contribute to immune memory, ensuring a quicker and more robust response upon subsequent encounters with the same invaders. Essentially, antibodies are crucial components of our immune arsenal, safeguarding our health.
What are Three Finger Toxins(3FTx)?
Three-Finger Toxins (3FTx) are a family of venom proteins found in the venom of various snake species, particularly elapid snakes like cobras, kraits, and mambas. The name “three-finger” refers to the characteristic fold of these proteins, which resembles three extended fingers. These toxins play a crucial role in the venom’s toxic effects by targeting and interfering with specific receptors in the victim’s body.
Key characteristics of Three-Finger Toxins (3FTx) include:
- Structure: 3FTx proteins typically have a compact, three-looped structure resembling fingers, stabilized by four disulfide bridges.
- Target Receptors: They target various receptors in the neuromuscular system, affecting neurotransmission and leading to paralysis or other toxic effects.
- Variability: There is significant variability among different species’ 3FTx, allowing snakes to adapt their venom composition for specific prey or defensive purposes.
- Neurotoxic Effects: Many 3FTx exhibit neurotoxic effects, causing paralysis by blocking the transmission of nerve signals.
Significance of Antibodies
These are a few significances of Antibodies
- Infection Defense: Antibodies recognize and neutralize pathogens like viruses and bacteria.
- Immune System Function: Essential components of the immune system’s defense mechanism.
- Specific Binding: Antibodies have specific binding sites for precise identification of foreign substances.
- Marking Invaders: Mark pathogens for destruction by immune cells.
- Immune Memory: Contribute to immune memory, ensuring a faster response upon re-exposure.
- Vaccination Response: Generated in response to vaccinations to provide immunity.
- Pathogen Recognition: Enable the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self.
- Disease Diagnosis: Used in medical diagnostics to detect infections and diseases.
- Research Tools: Crucial in scientific research, including studying diseases and developing therapies.
- Key to Immunotherapy: Antibodies are central in therapeutic approaches, including monoclonal antibody treatments for various conditions.
Key Facts on Synthetic Antibody for Snakebite Treatment UPSC
| Feature | Description |
| Development | Synthetic human antibody for Snake Bites Toxin |
| Developed by | Scientists at Scripps Research Institute & IISc Evolutionary Venomics Lab |
| Developed | 2024 |
| Problem Solved | Snakebite lethality and limitations of current antivenoms |
| Significance | Potential for universal snakebite treatment |
| Benefits | More effective, longer-lasting, potentially universal |
| Effective for | Elapid snakes (cobras, kraits, etc.) |
| Production | Human-derived cell lines (no animal injection) |
| Goals | Further testing, broader venom coverage, universal antivenom development |
FAQs on the Synthetic Antibody for Snakebite Treatment – UPSC Questions on Synthetic Antibody for Snakebite Treatment
Question-1: What is this new development about Synthetic Antibody for Snakebite Treatment?
Answer. This development is a synthetic human antibody designed to neutralize toxins from elapid snakes, potentially providing a universal treatment for snakebites.
Question-2: Who developed the Synthetic Antibody for Snakebite Treatment?
Answer. The synthetic antibody was developed by scientists at the Scripps Research Institute and the Evolutionary Venomics Lab at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), India.
Question-3: When was it developed?
Answer. The research on this synthetic antibody was published in 22nd February, 2024, and ongoing studies are being conducted.
Question-4: What problem does this antibody solve?
Answer. It addresses the limitations of current antivenoms, offering a potentially more effective, longer-lasting, and universal solution without the need for extensive animal use.
Question-5: Why is this antibody significant?
Answer. The antibody has the potential to revolutionize snakebite treatment by improving effectiveness, duration, and universality, thereby reducing fatalities and enhancing healthcare accessibility.
Question-6: Which snakes does it work against?
Answer. Currently, it is effective against elapid snakes such as cobras and kraits. Ongoing research aims to extend its coverage to a broader range of snake venoms.
Question-7: How is this Synthetic Antibody for Snakebite Treatment produced?
Answer. The antibody is produced using human-derived cell lines, eliminating the need to inject venom into animals. This method enhances safety and ethical considerations.
Question-8: What are the next steps for this newly developed antibody?
Answer. The next steps involve further testing, expanding effectiveness against additional snake venoms, and exploring potential combinations with other antibodies for a truly universal antivenom.
Question-9: When will it be available for patients?
Answer. Human trials have not commenced, and availability for patients may take several years as the research progresses through clinical trials.
Question-10: Could it be used for other venomous animals?
Answer. While the technology could be adapted, specific research is needed for each venomous species. The potential for developing similar antibodies for other creatures exists but requires individualized investigation.
