Monoclonal antibodies

Definition

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules that can mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens like viruses. These antibodies are made from identical immune cells that are clones of a unique parent cell, providing a highly specific targeting mechanism against antigens. This specificity makes them incredibly valuable in diagnostics, therapeutics, and research, especially within the realm of humoral immunity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Monoclonal antibodies can be engineered to bind specifically to certain cells or proteins, making them effective for targeted therapy in diseases like cancer.
2. They are used in various medical applications including diagnostic tests, treatment of autoimmune diseases, and as therapeutic agents in cancers and infections.
3. The process to create monoclonal antibodies involves immunizing mice with an antigen, then fusing their spleen cells with myeloma cells to create hybridomas that produce the desired antibody.
4. Once produced, monoclonal antibodies can be humanized or fully humanized to reduce immunogenicity when used in humans.
5. Due to their specificity and effectiveness, monoclonal antibodies have become a cornerstone in modern medicine, revolutionizing approaches to treatment and diagnosis.

Review Questions

• How do monoclonal antibodies differ from polyclonal antibodies in terms of their production and specificity?
  • Monoclonal antibodies are produced from identical immune cells cloned from a single parent cell, leading to the creation of one specific antibody type that targets a particular antigen. In contrast, polyclonal antibodies are derived from multiple B-cell lineages and thus consist of a mixture of antibodies that can recognize multiple epitopes on an antigen. This difference in production results in monoclonal antibodies being more specific and consistent for clinical applications.
• Discuss the significance of hybridoma technology in the development of monoclonal antibodies and its impact on medical research.
  • Hybridoma technology is crucial for producing monoclonal antibodies, as it allows scientists to create an unlimited supply of specific antibodies by fusing antibody-producing B cells with myeloma cells. This innovation has significantly impacted medical research by enabling the development of highly specific diagnostic tools and targeted therapies, particularly in oncology and autoimmune diseases. The ability to generate these tailored antibodies has transformed how diseases are diagnosed and treated.
• Evaluate the implications of using monoclonal antibodies in immunotherapy for cancer treatment and how they alter the landscape of therapeutic options.
  • The use of monoclonal antibodies in immunotherapy represents a paradigm shift in cancer treatment by harnessing the body's immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. Their specificity allows for less damage to surrounding healthy tissues compared to traditional chemotherapies. Additionally, they provide new avenues for treatment resistance and combination therapies, thereby broadening the range of options available for patients and improving outcomes in various cancers.

Related terms

Antigen: A substance that triggers an immune response, often a foreign protein found on the surface of pathogens.

Hybridoma: A hybrid cell created by fusing a specific antibody-producing B cell with a myeloma (cancer) cell, used to produce monoclonal antibodies.

Immunotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer by using substances made from living organisms, including monoclonal antibodies.