S.N. Bose Centre study finds IgM antibody mechanically stabilises bacterial Protein L
Researchers at the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata, found that IgM, the largest human antibody, can mechanically stabilise the bacterial protein 'Protein L', the Department of Science and Technology said on 25 August 2025.
Summary
Researchers at the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, found that IgM — the largest antibody in the human body and one of the first produced against infection — can mechanically stabilise bacterial toxins, the DST said on 25 August 2025. The study focused on Protein L, a 'superantigen' from the bacterium Finegoldia magna, and used single-molecule force spectroscopy. Binding of IgM significantly increased Protein L's mechanical stability, an effect that rose with IgM concentration. The DST said the finding could inspire therapies that design antibodies to mechanically stiffen dangerous proteins.
Key facts
- Institute
- S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (DST autonomous institute)
- Antibody
- IgM — largest human antibody
- Target
- Protein L, superantigen of Finegoldia magna
- Technique
- Single-molecule force spectroscopy
- Finding
- IgM binding increases Protein L's mechanical stability (concentration-dependent)
Practice MCQs 1 questions
Researchers at the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences reported in August 2025 that which antibody, the largest in the human body, can mechanically stabilise the bacterial superantigen Protein L?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — IgM
The SNBNCBS study found that IgM, the largest antibody identified in the human body, increases the mechanical stability of Protein L from Finegoldia magna.