A study by S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (DST) found that IgM antibodies not only bind pathogens but also mechanically stabilize bacterial toxins, offering a new insight into antibody function.

About Immunoglobulin M (IgM) Antibodies

• Definition: IgM (Immunoglobulin M) is the first antibody produced by the immune system during infection; also the first antibody to develop in the fetus.
• Structure: Exists as a pentamer (five antibodies joined together), making it the largest antibody (macroglobulin).
• Location: Found mainly in blood and lymph
• Primary Immune Response: Produced during the first encounter with a pathogen, before other antibodies like IgG are generated.
• Functions:
• • Complement Activation: Triggers the complement cascade to destroy pathogens.
  • Neutralisation: Blocks pathogens from attaching to body cells.
  • B-cell Receptor: Functions as a receptor on B-cells to initiate antibody production.
  • Agglutination: Clumps pathogens together, making them easier to eliminate.

Scientific Significance

• New Understanding: Highlights an underexplored role of antibodies — altering the physical properties of proteins, beyond pathogen binding.
• Toxin Neutralisation: IgM mechanically stiffens bacterial toxins, reducing virulence.
• Novel Role: Demonstrates mechanical stabilization as a defense mechanism.

Potential Applications

• Therapeutic Innovation: Antibody-based therapies targeting mechanical stabilization.
• Protein Stiffening Strategy: Designing antibodies to neutralise bacterial toxins by altering protein properties.
• Better Infection Control: Opens new frontiers in immunotherapy & vaccine development.

About S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS)

• Establishment: Founded in 1986 as an autonomous research institute under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.
• Status: Registered society; autonomous academic and research institute.
• Named After: Professor Satyendra Nath Bose, renowned Indian physicist who made pioneering contributions to Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Statistics (Bose–Einstein statistics).
• Focus Areas: 
  • Theoretical physics
  • Material sciences
  • Nanoscience & nanotechnology
  • Quantum science research

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