The PT mechanism of action
Antibodies are a key component of the immune system and play an important role in the fight against infectious agents. They have the ability to bind specifically to non-self antigens (infectious microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, toxins), perform functions such as mucosal protection, opsonizing and complement activation, are produced by B lymphocytes, transformed to perform this task, following specific stimuli, into plasma cells. Together with T lymphocyte receptors (TCR) and molecules of the major histocompatibility complex MHC are molecules capable of binding the antigen to a highly specific degree. (11-12) Antibodies present in the immune plasma, (i.e. ”convalescent”) in the same way, mediate their therapeutic effect through a variety of mechanisms. The antibody can bind to a certain pathogen (e.g. virus), thus directly neutralizing its infectivity, increasing phagocytosis, complement activation. (13-14). It is important to emphasize that the administration of plasma therapy with antibodies currently offers the only and accessible short-term strategy to confer immediate immunity to individuals to fight the infection, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems due to other diseases or drug therapies. Pending an effective vaccine, and an antiviral or monoclonal antibody directed against Sars-cov-2, PT anti-SARS-CoV-2 is the only therapeutic strategy that is immediately available for use to prevent and treat COVID-19.