Monoclonal antibodies

Definition

Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made molecules engineered to mimic the immune system's ability to fight off pathogens such as viruses. They are created by creating identical copies, or clones, of a specific type of immune cell, known as a B cell, which produces antibodies against a specific target. This technology is crucial in various fields, including diagnostics, treatment of diseases, and research, showcasing the potential of biotechnology in medicine.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Monoclonal antibodies are used in various applications including targeted therapy for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases.
2. They are highly specific, meaning they can target only one type of antigen, which reduces side effects compared to traditional treatments.
3. The process of creating monoclonal antibodies involves immunizing a mouse with a specific antigen, harvesting the B cells, and fusing them with myeloma cells to create hybridomas.
4. Monoclonal antibodies can be engineered to improve their effectiveness and reduce immunogenicity, making them safer for human use.
5. They are also used in laboratory settings for diagnostic purposes, such as in ELISA tests to detect specific proteins or pathogens.

Review Questions

• How are monoclonal antibodies produced and what role do hybridomas play in their creation?
  • Monoclonal antibodies are produced through a process that begins with immunizing a mouse with a specific antigen. This prompts the mouse's B cells to produce antibodies against the antigen. The B cells are then fused with myeloma cells to create hybridomas, which can divide indefinitely while producing large quantities of the desired antibody. This allows for the mass production of identical antibodies that target the same antigen.
• Discuss the advantages of using monoclonal antibodies in medical treatments compared to traditional methods.
  • Monoclonal antibodies offer several advantages over traditional treatments, primarily due to their specificity. Unlike traditional drugs that may affect multiple targets in the body, monoclonal antibodies are designed to bind only to a specific antigen. This leads to fewer side effects and enhanced efficacy in treating conditions like cancer or autoimmune disorders. Furthermore, they can be tailored or engineered for better performance, allowing for personalized medicine approaches that increase patient outcomes.
• Evaluate the impact of monoclonal antibodies on diagnostic techniques and disease treatment in modern medicine.
  • The introduction of monoclonal antibodies has revolutionized both diagnostic techniques and disease treatment in modern medicine. In diagnostics, they enable highly specific tests like ELISA and Western blotting to accurately detect pathogens or proteins, enhancing disease detection and monitoring. In treatment, monoclonal antibodies have transformed cancer therapy by targeting specific cancer cells while sparing normal cells, resulting in more effective and less toxic options. Their versatility also extends to treating autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases, showing their profound impact on improving patient care.

Related terms

antibody: A protein produced by B cells in response to an antigen that can specifically bind to that antigen and help neutralize it.

hybridoma: A hybrid cell formed by the fusion of an antibody-producing B cell and a myeloma (cancer) cell, which can continuously produce monoclonal antibodies.

immunotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight cancer, often utilizing monoclonal antibodies to target specific cancer cells.