Question

Neutrophil adhesion receptors are heterodimer molecules consisting of a beta subunit noncovalently associated with an alpha subunit.

Antibody A was directed against the alpha subunit and antibody B was directed against the beta subunit. When these antibodies were applied to lab animals subjected to ischemia of the heart, only animals that received antibody B showed a great reduction in subsequent tissue injury; antibody A had no effect and the animals died.
The scientist claimed that antibody B offers a better means for preventing organ injury than agents such as free radical or protease inhibitors. Which of the following reasons offers the best support for this claim?
A) Antibody B is a high-affinity antibody; therefore, it will not be rejected by the patient.
B) Antibody B can block the initiation of events that result in the release of harmful, biologically active molecules.
C) Antibody B is a very specific antibody; therefore, it will not recognize anything other than the beta subunit.
D) Antibody B exhibits a high half-life and can be used at any dosage at any time.

Answer 1

Antibody B is beneficial because it can block early events in the pathological process, potentially preventing the release of harmful molecules and thus reducing tissue injury in ischemic heart disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best support for the scientist's claim that antibody B offers a better means for preventing organ injury in animals subjected to ischemia of the heart lies in the fact that antibody B can block the initiation of events that lead to the release of harmful biologically active molecules.

This action of antibody B could disrupt the pathogenic process at an early stage, preventing the cascade of events that result in tissue damage and inflammation, which is central to ischemic injury. Antibodies do not generally cause immune rejection, as they are typically recognized as self or non-threatening by the host immune system. Moreover, specificity is necessary to ensure that the antibody only targets the desired molecules without affecting other biological processes. Furthermore, the half-life of an antibody is indeed an important factor as it determines how long the therapeutic effect will last; however, the primary concern in this scenario is the ability of the antibody to prevent injury through interference with pathogenic mechanisms.