Cow mega-bodies (Mega-antibodies) for better human health
New Delhi, 22 January 2015. The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences has started a series
of public lectures with Dr Azad Kumar Kaushik (University of Guleph, Onatario, Canada) at
NAAS. Dr R. B. Singh (Ex-President, NAAS) chaired the session and Dr M. P. Yadav
(Secretary, NAAS) introduced Dr Azad Kumar Kaushik who delivered a lecture on ‘Cow megabodies (Mega-antibodies) for better human health’. In his lecture the focus was on antibody
diversity across species; bovine immunoglobulin locus (limited germline sequence diversity at
VH and VL loci); bovine antibody gene technology; allotypy, disease resistance and novel
function, bovine immunoglobulin genetics; generation of exceptionally long CDR 3H, a novel
mechanism of antibody diversity; developing bovine antibody –based antimicrobials, novel
vaccines and immunomodulators, neutralizing monomeric single chain fragment variables (scFv)
against BoHV-1, adjunct passive immunization to prevent bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1)
infection; etc.
Dr. Kaushik emphasized the novelty of the antibodies of cow (cattle) among all the other animal
species studied as the cattle antibodies are longest i.e. having up more than 50 amino acids as
compared to the usual 22-25 amino acids in the antibodies of other animal species. Cows
produce the largest sized antibodies amongst whole of the animal kingdom. These antibodies are
distinct and expected to be more effective in attacking diverse species of bacteria and viruses.
Dr. Kaushik opined that by giving more emphasis on production traits in the selection of
livestock we have lost lot of good genes, particularly those responsible for health. His researches
indicate that the large sized cattle antibodies, named by him as mega antibodies would be ideal
next-generation therapeutics and have the potential for forming the basis of new vaccines,
diagnostics, medicines and immune modulatory agents to treat and prevent human deceases.
Dr. Kaushik's laboratory is now focused on Bovine Immune System. They have discovered the
genetic elements encoding bovine antibodies as well as discovered novel mechanisms that enable
production of such a vast array of antibodies beyond the expected germline potential. His group
is currently working to engineer novel antibodies which could be used as next-generation tools
for immunization and antigenization.
Dr. Kaushik, a Veterinary Graduate and Post Graduate from Haryana Agricultural University,
Hisar and subsequently obtained D.Sc. from Pasteur Institute, Paris, has specialization in
Veterinary Microbiology, Immunology including molecular immunoglobulin genetics, antibody
engineering and transgenic, autoimmunity and systemic autoimmune disease, therapeutics and
vaccines, immunodiagnostics, and clinical veterinary Immunology.
Dr Kaushik also focused on missing link in education and research in context with the culture.
He stressed upon recognizing the genetic values of indigenous livestock.