Technology

Chickens (avian species) produce antibodies against antigens (foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses and proteins) similarly as humans do. However, chicken antibodies (IgY) have unique properties, which differentiates them from human antibodies (IgG).

Human pathogens have evolved to evade the host immune system to allow them to establish themselves in the host, and eventually cause harm (disease). Therefore human immune responses to pathogens are often insufficient or develop slowly to be effective in eliminating the disease causing pathogen(s). Pathogens that infect humans however, have not evolved to adapt itself to avian species, and hence avians produce robust immune responses against human pathogens when challenged. Furthermore and in contrast, unlike mammalian antibodies (IgG), avian IgYs when administered to humans do not cause immune complex-mediated reactions in the humans, such as cell activation or inflammation. Due to its widespread use in human diet, humans appear to have evolved to not produce an immune response to egg proteins and IgY, although there are instances of egg product allergy in some. Thus, the avian antibody platform provides an unique oral therapeutic treatment option, with very high efficacy and with virtually no adverse effects.

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