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 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced protein molecules, cloned from a single immune cell line so that every antibody is identical — statement I is correct.
• Each is engineered to bind one specific antigen (a viral protein, a cancer-cell marker, an inflammatory signal); by binding it they neutralise the target or flag it for the immune system, thereby supporting immune function — statement II is correct.
• They are used against viral diseases: monoclonals have been deployed for COVID-19, Ebola and RSV, and India imported the m102.4 monoclonal antibody from Australia for Nipah outbreaks in Kerala — statement III is correct.
• Monoclonals also treat cancers (trastuzumab, rituximab) and autoimmune disorders (adalimumab).
• Hence I, II and III, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) I and II only
- Statement III is also correct: monoclonals have been used against Nipah.
- (b) II and III only
- Statement I is also correct: they are man-made proteins.
- (c) I and III only
- Statement II is also correct: they act by binding specific antigens.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025, held on 25 May 2025. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.