Monoclonal antibodies

monoclonal antibodies

Identical antibodies produced from a single clone of cells, designed to bind to one specific antigen.

How are monoclonal antibodies made?

• A mouse is injected with a chosen antigen.

• The mouse produces lymphocytes that make specific antibodies.

• These lymphocytes are fused with a tumour cell → hybridoma cell.

• Hybridoma divides rapidly and produces large quantities of monoclonal antibodies.

Why are monoclonal antibodies useful?

Because they are all identical and specific to a single antigen, making them highly targeted.

How are monoclonal antibodies used in diagnosis?

• Pregnancy tests – detect hCG hormone in urine.

• Detect specific diseases (e.g., cancer cells, pathogens) by binding to antigens and carrying markers (like fluorescent dyes or radioactive substances).

How are monoclonal antibodies used in treating disease?

• Delivering toxic drugs, chemicals, or radioactive substances directly to cancer cells.

• This targets only diseased cells, reducing damage to normal tissues compared to chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

How are monoclonal antibodies used in labs?

• Measuring hormone levels in blood.

• Detecting pathogens.

• Locating specific molecules in tissues.

What are the advantages of monoclonal antibodies?

• Very specific → bind only to the target antigen.

• Can treat disease without harming healthy cells.

What are the disadvantages/risks of monoclonal antibodies?

• Expensive to produce.

• Can cause side effects (e.g., fever, low blood pressure, allergic reactions).

• Not as widely successful as first expected.

How are monoclonal antibodies used in plants?

They can detect specific plant pathogens by binding to their antigens → useful in agriculture to diagnose crop diseases quickly.