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📌 The Question:

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

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✅ Correct Answer: (d) I, II and III

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🧠 Classroom Explanation (Precise & Exam-Focused):

Let us verify each statement carefully.

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🔹 Statement I

✔ Correct

• Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are laboratory-engineered proteins
• They are designed to mimic natural antibodies produced by the human immune system
• Hence, they are man-made, not naturally occurring

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🔹 Statement II

✔ Correct

• Monoclonal antibodies are produced from a single clone of B-cells
• They bind specifically to a particular antigen (virus, toxin, cancer cell marker, etc.)
• This binding can:

• Neutralize pathogens
• Mark infected cells for immune destruction
• Block harmful biological pathways

👉 Therefore, they stimulate or assist immune function

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🔹 Statement III

✔ Correct

• Monoclonal antibodies are used in:

• Cancer therapy
• Autoimmune diseases
• Viral infections

• They have been used against COVID-19, Ebola, and Nipah virus
• During Nipah outbreaks, experimental mAbs (including Australian-origin antibodies) were administered under emergency protocols and found to be safe

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📌 Final Logic Check:

✔ Statement I — Correct
✔ Statement II — Correct
✔ Statement III — Correct

➡ Answer: (d) I, II and III

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🔍 Curiosity Raiser:
🧬 Why are monoclonal antibodies called “monoclonal”?
Because they are produced from one single immune cell clone, making them highly specific — unlike polyclonal antibodies in natural infections.

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📚 Enrich Notes (UPSC Edge):

• mAbs vs Vaccines:

• Vaccines → train immune system
• mAbs → directly provide ready-made immunity

• Applications frequently asked by UPSC:

• Cancer (Herceptin, Rituximab)
• Autoimmune diseases (Rheumatoid arthritis)
• Viral diseases (COVID-19, Ebola, Nipah)

• Key Advantage:
🎯 Precision targeting with minimal collateral damage

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🪶 IAS Monk Whisper:
When UPSC mentions “often in news”, check for biotech therapies, pandemic use, and emergency approvals.