Influenza-B Antibody
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Influenza B is one of the four main types of influenza viruses, the others being Influenza A, C, and D. Unlike Influenza A, which can infect multiple species including birds and pigs, Influenza B is typically found only in humans and occasionally in seals . This limited host range is one reason why Influenza B has not caused pandemics, unlike its counterpart Influenza A .
Influenza B is responsible for a significant portion of seasonal flu cases, accounting for about 23% of influenza illnesses globally . It is highly contagious and can lead to severe respiratory symptoms such as coughing, congestion, and sore throat, as well as systemic symptoms like high fever, body aches, and fatigue . In some cases, it can cause serious complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and even heart inflammation .
Mouse antibodies are antibodies derived from mice and have been extensively used in research and therapeutic applications. These antibodies are produced by immunizing mice with a specific antigen, which stimulates the mouse’s immune system to produce antibodies against that antigen . These antibodies can then be harvested and used for various purposes, including diagnostic tests and treatments for diseases.
One of the significant challenges with using mouse antibodies in humans is the Human Anti-Mouse Antibody (HAMA) response. This occurs when the human immune system recognizes the mouse antibodies as foreign and mounts an immune response against them . This can lead to reduced effectiveness of the treatment and potential allergic reactions . To mitigate this, researchers have developed techniques to humanize mouse antibodies, making them less likely to be recognized as foreign by the human immune system .
In the context of Influenza B, mouse antibodies can be used in research to study the virus and develop potential treatments. For example, researchers can create monoclonal antibodies from mice that target specific proteins on the Influenza B virus. These monoclonal antibodies can then be used to understand the virus’s behavior, identify potential drug targets, and develop vaccines.
