Explain6 marksChallenge
A new pathogen, Neocella, has caused an outbreak of a severe respiratory disease. Scientists are exploring two strategies to combat the infection:
- Strategy A: Production of a monoclonal antibody that binds to a surface protein of Neocella. The antibody will be administered to infected patients.
- Strategy B: Development of a vaccine containing inactivated Neocella particles. This will be given to healthy individuals as part of a national vaccination programme.
Using your knowledge of immunity, explain:
- How the molecular structure of an antibody enables it to function in the detection and neutralisation of a pathogen such as Neocella.
- The principles behind the hybridoma method used to produce monoclonal antibodies.
- The type of immunity (active or passive; natural or artificial) conferred by each strategy, and why a vaccination programme can help control the spread of an infectious disease.