Nipah monoclonal antibody, Human – wildlife conflict

WHY IN NEWS?

India plans to start human trials in 2025 for a novel Nipah monoclonal antibody, pending regulatory approval, aiming to protect against the deadly virus with no approved vaccine globally. Similar trials are set for Bangladesh due to recent outbreaks. The antibody has shown promise in U.S. trials, targeting the virus’s F protein to prevent infection, with potential for broader protection including against Hendra virus.

SUMMARY OF THE NEWS:

In 2025, India and Bangladesh may begin trials for a new Nipah monoclonal antibody, pending regulatory approval. Developed to combat the virus’s high mortality rate with no approved vaccine globally, the antibody targets the virus’s F protein to prevent infection. Supported by CEPI, trials aim to confirm safety and efficacy, following successful U.S. phase-1 trials. Plans include recruiting at least 200 participants, with a focus on generating data for potential broader protection against related viruses like Hendra.

MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES:

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules designed to mimic natural antibodies that the body produces to fight off harmful pathogens like viruses and bacteria. They are created by cloning a unique white blood cell to produce large quantities of identical antibodies.

• Therapeutic Uses: Monoclonal antibodies are used in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer (targeted therapy), autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.

• Diagnostic Applications: They are employed in diagnostic tests to detect specific molecules or markers indicative of disease, such as pregnancy tests or tests for infectious diseases like COVID-19.

• Research Tools: Monoclonal antibodies are invaluable tools in biomedical research, allowing scientists to target and study specific proteins or cells in controlled experiments.

• Vaccines: They can potentially be used in vaccine development to target specific parts of pathogens or to enhance immune responses.

• Limitations and Challenges: Despite their versatility, monoclonal antibodies can be expensive to produce and may sometimes trigger immune responses in patients.

PYQ: – (Related questions)

Prelims 2020

Question: “Consider the following statements:

     1. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) targets and destroys the immune system cells.

     2. Hepatitis B virus can cause cirrhosis of liver and hepatocellular carcinoma.

     Which of the statements given above is/are correct?”

 Answer: Both 1 and 2 (Both statements are correct.)

Explanation: While not directly about monoclonal antibodies, this question pertains to viral diseases and their impact on health, which are areas where monoclonal antibodies are actively researched and used.

Mains 2018

Question: “What do you understand by the term ‘epigenetics’? Discuss its implications in understanding human health.”

HINT: Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype caused by mechanisms other than changes in the underlying DNA sequence. It has implications in understanding diseases, responses to environmental factors, and potential therapies.

WHY IN NEWS?

Kerala is addressing human-wildlife conflict with a ₹645 crore plan integrating technology and traditional methods. The initiative includes AI-based alert systems, thermal drones, and beehive fencing along forest fringes. It aims to use tribal knowledge like bio-fences and enhance habitats with water sources and fodder to mitigate the crisis.

SUMMARY OF THE NEWS:

Kerala plans to tackle human-wildlife conflict with a ₹645 crore initiative combining modern tech and traditional methods. This includes AI-based alerts, thermal drones, and beehive fencing along forest fringes. The master plan, backed by Central-State funding, aims to implement 17 strategies over three years, including barriers and habitat management to safeguard wildlife and prevent animal incursions into human settlements.

HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICTS:

   HWC occurs when wildlife species pose direct or indirect threats to human interests or vice versa.

   Causes include habitat loss due to human encroachment, fragmentation of wildlife habitats, competition for resources (like water and food), and climate change impacting natural habitats.

Impact on Communities and Wildlife:

• Communities suffer from economic losses (crop damage, livestock predation), physical harm, and disruption of livelihoods.
• Wildlife faces retaliatory killings, habitat degradation, and reduced populations due to conflicts with humans.

Management Strategies:

Preventive Measures: Include habitat restoration, land-use planning, and wildlife corridors to minimize conflict.

Mitigation Techniques: Use of physical barriers (fences, trenches), deterrents (like noise devices or lights), and relocation of problem animals.

Innovative Approaches: Incorporating technology (AI-based monitoring, drones) and traditional knowledge (bio-fences, crop barriers) for effective management.

Legal and Institutional Framework:

• National and state wildlife laws protect both wildlife and human interests.
• Forest departments and local administrations play crucial roles in conflict resolution and implementing mitigation strategies.

Global and National Initiatives:

• Countries worldwide adopt strategies tailored to local ecosystems. For instance, India’s Project Elephant focuses on protecting elephant habitats and minimizing conflicts.
• International collaborations and research contribute to best practices in conflict resolution and habitat conservation.

PYQ:

 Prelims 2019 (RELATED QUESTION)

 Question: “Consider the following statements:

     1. The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity.

     2. The region has a wealth of both flora and fauna.

     Which of the statements given above is/are correct?”

 Answer: Both 1 and 2 (Both statements are correct.)

Explanation: While not directly about human-wildlife conflict, this question highlights the biodiversity richness in regions where such conflicts can occur, indirectly emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts.

Mains 2020

Question: “What is a ‘climate refugee’? Discuss the implications of climate change on human migration across the world.”

HINT: A climate refugee is someone displaced from their home due to environmental changes caused by climate change, such as rising sea levels or drought. This question explores broader environmental impacts, which can include changes in wildlife habitats and potential increases in human-wildlife conflicts as habitats shift.