Antibodies are More Effective During Initial Phase of a Viral Attack: RCB Director

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Antibodies are more effective during the initial or contact phase during a viral attack, said Dr Aravind Sahu, Executive Director of Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad.

Dr Sahu was delivering Invited Lecture at BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) on Friday on ‘Viral Teachings on Complement Regulation and Host-Pathogen Interface.’

Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana, Director of RGCB, was present.

Dr Sahu said his research has explored the working of Complement component 3(C3)- a crucial protein in the immune system that is found both outside and inside cells, contributing to innate immunity, tissue repair, and defence against pathogens. He observed that the behaviour of C3 during a viral infection makes antibodies effective at the initial phase of a viral attack.

Dr Sahu said he and his team studied how complimentary regulatory system actively defends viral infections.

He said his research had focused on Complementary Regulatory System- a mechanism of immune system that prevents damage to host cells while effectively targeting pathogens and damaged cells.

Dr Sahu recalled that his research started by investigating how immune system recognises a foreign body and tried to understand the patterns of complimentary regulation.

His team found out that complement holders (pathways) are critical for providing effective protection against the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus infection.

Dr Sahu presented Dr MR Das Student Merit award and PK Iyengar Best Thesis Award for PhD students for their research excellence at the function.