Monoclonal antibodies and other forms of passive immunization are some of the techniques used to prevent or treat certain infections. They are different from vaccines since they give the body antibodies instead of stimulating the immune system to create an immune response. This session will be devoted to discussion about the use of antibodies in the prevention or treatment of certain infections.
Scientists will discuss the discovery of antibodies, their neutralizing effect, engineering of antibodies, combination therapies involving antibodies, and evaluation of the results of research concerning the effectiveness of antibody-based treatment. They can conduct investigations concerning the targeting of pathogens or pathogen's mechanisms (viral entry, bacterial toxins). The problems faced include variations in pathogens, decreased sensitivity of pathogens to antibodies, duration of protection, production costs, and identification of the population of people who could be helped by treatment.
Immunologists, infectious disease specialists, pharmaceutical scientists, biotechnologists, and clinical trial specialists are welcome to present research results in these areas. They may also present developments in therapeutic approaches using antibodies, effectiveness of antibody treatments, safety testing, and difficulties in passive immunization