Monoclonal antibodies- B6.3.9

what is a monoclonal antibody?

they are produced using cells like Hybridomas, and a fusion on cancer cells and lymphocytes

what are monoclonal antibodies used as?

bind to target cells to kill it or prevent it from working but they are called monoclonal as they are produced from a single clone of cells

how are monoclonal antibodies produced?

1. genetically modifies mice are injected with required antigen

2. body then produces antibodies for that specific antigen

3. these antibodies then fuse with cancer cells and are collected

4. this is called hybridoma

5. these cells reproduce creating clones with that required antibody

6. this protein is called a monoclonal antibody

how do monoclonal antibodies test for cancer

monoclonal antibodies can carry drugs or radioactive substances to a cancer cell. This would increase effectiveness of treatment

how do monoclonal antibodies detect disease

they act as markers so when it binds to an antigen of a microorganism, the monoclonal antibody confirms its presence.

treatment can begin at an early stage then

how do monoclonal antibodies used for pregnancy testing?

1. once pregnant, women produces hormone Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) 2 weeks after contraception

2. monoclonal antibodies have been produced to bind to hCG protein

3. a pregnancy test short stick has MAB on them so when urine with hCG contacts it, a line appears telling she is pregnant