ICMR’s Initiative to Develop Monoclonal Antibodies against Nipah Virus
Why in News
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from organisations and companies to develop and produce monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the Nipah virus (NiV).
PYQ
With reference to monoclonal antibodies, often mentioned in news, consider the following statements:
I. They are man-made proteins.
II. They stimulate immunological function due to their ability to bind to specific antigens.
III. They are used in treating viral infections like that of Nipah virus.Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. I and II only
B. II and III only
C. I and III only
D. I, II and III
Nipah Virus (NiV)
Nipah Virus (NiV) is a highly lethal zoonotic pathogen causing acute respiratory illness and encephalitis, with no approved vaccine or antiviral. Discovered in 1998 in Malaysia, it has caused sporadic outbreaks in South-East Asia, particularly India and Bangladesh.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Zoonotic virus (transmitted from animals to humans) |
| Reservoir host | Fruit bats (genus Pteropus), also called flying foxes |
| Transmission | – From bats to humans (via fruits, palm sap, or animal secretions) – From pigs to humans – Human-to-human transmission through contact with body fluids |
| Symptoms | Fever, headache, vomiting, respiratory distress, encephalitis (brain inflammation), coma |
| Fatality rate | 40–75% (depends on medical care quality) |
| Treatment | No specific antiviral or vaccine yet; only supportive care |
| Prevention | Avoid bat-contaminated food, use PPE in healthcare, isolate patients |
Bangladesh Clade (NiV-B)
- NiV has two clades: Malaysia (NiV-M, pig-borne, lower human-to-human transmission) and Bangladesh (NiV-B, bat-borne via date palm sap, high respiratory droplet transmission).
- NiV-B dominates India/Bangladesh with 68-100% CFR (Case Fatality Rate) due to encephalitis.
- Known for:
- Higher person-to-person transmission
- Greater mortality rate
- Compared to Malaysia clade (NiV-M) — less transmissible, lower mortality.
Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) – Explained
1. What are Antibodies?
- Antibodies are proteins made by our immune system to fight germs (like viruses and bacteria).
- Each antibody is specific — like a “key” that fits only one “lock” (antigen) on a pathogen.
Example: If you get infected by the measles virus, your body makes antibodies only against measles.
2. What are Monoclonal Antibodies?
- “Mono” = one
- “Clonal” = made from a single type of immune cell (clone)
So, Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) are artificially produced identical copies of one specific antibody that targets one particular antigen on a virus, bacteria, or even cancer cell.
In short: They are lab-made precision weapons that mimic our natural antibodies.
3. How Are Monoclonal Antibodies Made?
Originally, monoclonal antibodies were made by fusing mouse immune cells with cancer cells (hybridomas) so they could live forever and produce antibodies. This technology is called Hybridoma Technology.
But modern biotechnology has eliminated the need for cancer-cell fusion.
Now, through recombinant DNA, phage display, transgenic animals, or B-cell cloning, scientists can produce humanized or fully human antibodies at industrial scale — safer, more specific, and more effective.
4. Uses of Monoclonal Antibodies
Basically, monoclonal antibodies can be used in four main areas —
4.1️. To fight infections: Monoclonal antibodies can act like ready-made soldiers that attack viruses or bacteria directly.
Examples:
- COVID-19: Regeneron’s antibody cocktail (Casirivimab + Imdevimab) was used to reduce severity.
- Ebola: mAbs were used successfully to save lives.
- Nipah virus: India’s ICMR is developing mAbs as an emergency treatment and post-exposure protection.
Purpose: To neutralize the virus — either to prevent disease after exposure or to treat patients early.
4.2️. To treat cancers: Some monoclonal antibodies are made to target specific markers (antigens) found only on cancer cells.
- They attach to those cancer cells and either:
- Block the signals that make them grow, or
- Mark them for destruction by the immune system.
Examples:
- Rituximab: Used for blood cancers (like lymphoma).
- Trastuzumab (Herceptin): Used for breast cancer that has the HER2 receptor.
Purpose: To destroy or control the growth of cancer cells without harming normal cells.
4.3️. To control autoimmune diseases:Sometimes, the immune system becomes overactive and attacks the body’s own tissues (like in arthritis or Crohn’s disease).
- Monoclonal antibodies can block the overactive immune signals, reducing inflammation and pain.
Examples:
- Adalimumab (Humira): Used for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Infliximab: Used for Crohn’s disease (a bowel disorder).
Purpose: To calm down the immune system when it is attacking the body itself.
4.4️. To detect diseases in lab tests: Monoclonal antibodies are also used in testing kits because they are very specific — they can detect even tiny amounts of a particular substance.
Examples:
- ELISA test: Used for detecting diseases like HIV or COVID.
- Rapid test kits: (like home pregnancy tests or COVID antigen tests) use antibodies to show results.
Purpose: To identify or measure disease-related substances quickly and accurately.
ICMR’s New Initiative (2025)
Context: Repeated Nipah outbreaks in Kerala.
Problem: No vaccine or antiviral drug available.
Solution: Develop indigenous monoclonal antibodies against Nipah virus.
🔹 ICMR–NIV Pune leading the project.
🔹 Monoclonal antibodies will be used as:
- Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for healthcare workers or close contacts.
- Therapeutic treatment for early-stage patients.
🔹 Aim: Build India’s self-reliant medical countermeasures for future viral outbreaks.
Significance of ICMR’s Initiative
| Objective | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Indigenous capability | Reduce reliance on imported or experimental antibodies during emergencies. |
| Rapid response | Having ready stock enables immediate treatment and containment during outbreaks. |
| Public health preparedness | Strengthens India’s ability to respond to emerging viral threats. |
| Industry collaboration | Encourages partnership between ICMR and Indian biotech/pharma industries to develop R&D platforms. |
Related Terms You Should Know:
What is the difference between zoonotic and vector-borne diseases?
- Zoonotic diseases are a broad category of infections that spread from animals to humans, Example: Rabies.
- While vector-borne diseases are specifically transmitted by an intermediate host, or vector (like mosquitoes or ticks). Vector-borne diseases are human illnesses caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria that are transmitted by vectors.
- Many vector-borne diseases are also zoonotic, meaning the pathogen first originated in animals and is transmitted to humans via an insect or other vector. However, some zoonotic diseases are not vector-borne, as they can spread through direct contact with animals or their body fluids.
- Vectors are living organisms that can transmit infectious pathogens between humans, or from animals to humans. Many of these vectors are bloodsucking insects which ingest disease-producing microorganisms during a blood meal from an infected host (human or animal) and later transmit it into a new host, after the pathogen has replicated. Often, once a vector becomes infectious, they are capable of transmitting the pathogen for the rest of their life during each subsequent bite/blood meal. Example: Malaria is a parasitic infection transmitted by Anopheline mosquitoes. Dengue is the viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.
Prophylaxis
- Means prevention of disease.
- Can be:
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): Given before contact with infection (e.g. malaria tablets before travel).
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): Given after exposure but before symptoms (e.g. rabies vaccine after dog bite).
Therapeutic Use
- Given after symptoms start, to reduce severity.
- Monoclonal antibodies can sometimes have therapeutic use too.
Biomedical Countermeasure
- Any medicine, vaccine, antibody, or diagnostic tool used to protect against or treat biological threats (like viruses, toxins, or pandemics).
- Example: COVID vaccines, antiviral drugs, ventilators, PPE, etc.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP):
- Prevent the disease before symptoms start, after possible exposure. Given immediately after exposure (before symptoms start) to prevent infection from taking hold.
- Uses vaccines, immunoglobulins, or monoclonal antibodies.
Example: HIV PEP (within 72 hrs), Rabies PEP after a dog bite.
Antiviral Drug:
- Given after infection is confirmed or symptoms appear to treat the disease by stopping viral replication.
- Uses chemical drugs acting directly on the virus.
Example: Remdesivir for COVID-19
Note: Monoclonal antibody can act as both PEP and antiviral depending on timing.
Difference between Vaccine, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and Antiviral Drug
| Aspect | Vaccine | Antiviral Drug |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Prevention — given before infection to build immunity. | Treatment — given after infection to stop the virus from multiplying. |
| Mechanism | Trains the immune system to recognize and neutralize the virus if it enters the body later. | Acts directly on the virus (or on host cell mechanisms) to reduce viral replication and load. |
| Example | Polio vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, Measles vaccine. | Remdesivir (COVID-19), Oseltamivir/Tamiflu (Influenza), Acyclovir (Herpes). |
| Duration of Effect | Long-term / lifelong immunity (often with booster doses). | Temporary — works only during the treatment period. |
| When Used | Preventive → before exposure. | Therapeutic → after infection occurs. |
| Body’s Role | Relies on immune system to make antibodies. | Relies on drug action to block viral enzymes or replication. |
| Effectiveness | Prevents disease entirely (if vaccinated). | Reduces severity, duration, or complications of disease. |
Example: Rabies Case
- Before bite: Rabies pre-exposure vaccine (PreP).
- After bite: Rabies PEP → vaccine + rabies immunoglobulin.
- If symptoms start: No antiviral exists — fatal.
So, PEP sits between prevention and treatment — it’s early emergency prevention, not treatment.
In Context of Nipah Virus:
- Since there’s no vaccine or antiviral for Nipah,
→ developing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) may serve as PEP (given after exposure to prevent disease).
→ Or as therapeutic (given after symptoms appear to reduce viral load).
So the same antibody can have both prophylactic and therapeutic roles — depending on when it’s given.
| Stage | Situation | What’s Given | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before exposure | No contact yet | Vaccine | Prevent infection in future |
| After exposure but before symptoms | Possible contact (dog bite, blood splash, etc.) | PEP (vaccine or antibodies) | Prevent infection from taking hold |
| After symptoms start | Confirmed infection | Antiviral drug | Treat disease, reduce severity |
Challenges:
- Absence of licensed vaccines or antivirals → Only supportive care available.
- High case fatality → Up to 75%.
- Frequent spillovers → Continuous risk in Kerala and neighbouring regions.
- Need for rapid diagnostics and containment infrastructure.
- Dependence on imported experimental antibody doses (previously from Australia/US).
- Need for biosafety (BSL-4) laboratories for safe research and testing.
Way Forward:
- Strengthen coordination between ICMR, NCDC, and State health departments.
- Expand BSL-3 and BSL-4 labs across India.
- Invest in genomic surveillance and vaccine research for high-fatality viruses.
- Build public-private partnerships for rapid drug manufacturing.
- Promote community awareness on zoonotic risks and safe food handling.