UPSC Prelims 2025 Q48: Science & Technology – Biotechnology & Genetics
- (a) I and II only
- (b) II and III only
- (c) I and III only
- (d) I, II and III
Answer: (d) I, II and III
Explanation
Monoclonal Antibody - Properties:
| Monoclonal Antibody Property | Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Man-made proteins (I) | Produced in lab using hybridoma technology - fusing immune B cells with myeloma cells to create immortal antibody-producing cell lines | TRUE |
| Bind to specific antigens and stimulate immune function (II) | Each mAb targets ONE specific antigen with high precision; binding can activate, block, or modulate immune response | TRUE |
| Used in treating Nipah virus (III) | m102.4 - a humanised monoclonal antibody - has been used in compassionate treatment of Nipah cases (Australia 2009, India 2018) | TRUE |
Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs): Laboratory-engineered proteins that mimic natural antibodies.
All identical — each batch targets exactly ONE antigen.
Used in cancer (Pembrolizumab), autoimmune disease (Adalimumab), and viral infections (m102.4 for Nipah, Bebtelovimab for COVID-19).
Answer: (d) I, II and III.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement III is also correct — m102.4 monoclonal antibody has been used in compassionate treatment of Nipah virus infections.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement I is also correct — monoclonal antibodies are entirely lab-made (man-made) proteins, not occurring naturally in this purified identical form.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement II is also correct — mAbs work by binding to specific antigens and influencing immune function depending on their design.
- (d) CORRECT. All three statements are accurate: mAbs are man-made proteins (I), they bind specific antigens to modulate immune function (II), and they have been used in Nipah treatment as m102.4 (III).
Key point
Monoclonal antibodies = lab-made proteins targeting ONE specific antigen. Used in cancer, autoimmune diseases, AND viral infections including Nipah (antibody = m102.4).
Remember
Monoclonal antibodies = man-made, target ONE antigen. Nipah virus treatment uses mAb called m102.4.
Common mistakes
- Thinking monoclonal antibodies cannot treat viral infections. mAbs like m102.4 (Nipah), Bebtelovimab (COVID-19), and Palivizumab (RSV) are real antiviral treatments.
- Confusing monoclonal (all identical, one antigen) with polyclonal antibodies (mixed, multiple antigens). mAbs are highly specific and lab-produced.
- Not knowing hybridoma technology — the method of producing mAbs by fusing immune B cells with cancer cells to make an immortal antibody-producing line.
Exam tip
mAb names end in -mab (Rituximab, Pembrolizumab, m102.4). Monoclonal = one clone = one antigen target = high precision. UPSC tests mAbs in cancer therapy AND emerging viral disease contexts. Nipah mAb = m102.4.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Biology (Immunology and Biotechnology)
- WHO — Monoclonal Antibodies for Viral Disease Treatment
- ICMR — Nipah Virus Response and Monoclonal Antibody Use