ZMapp

Definition

ZMapp is an experimental biopharmaceutical drug designed to treat Ebola virus infections. It consists of three monoclonal antibodies that target the Ebola virus glycoprotein.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. ZMapp was first used in humans during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
2. The drug is composed of three humanized monoclonal antibodies: c13C6, h13F6, and c6D8.
3. ZMapp works by binding to the glycoproteins on the surface of the Ebola virus, neutralizing its ability to infect host cells.
4. Produced using a tobacco plant-based system called 'pharming,' where plants are genetically engineered to produce the antibodies.
5. While ZMapp showed promise in animal studies, its efficacy in humans remains under investigation through clinical trials.

Review Questions

• What is ZMapp and what does it target?
• How are the antibodies in ZMapp produced?
• During which major health crisis was ZMapp first administered to humans?

Related terms

Monoclonal Antibodies: Antibodies that are identical because they were produced by one type of immune cell, used for targeting specific pathogens.

Glycoprotein: Proteins with carbohydrate groups attached that play a crucial role in viral entry into host cells.

Pharming: A biotechnology method where plants are genetically modified to produce pharmaceutical substances.