3. Antibodies in Medicine + Interpreting Data about Vaccines and Antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies

Are antibodies produced by a single group of genetically identical B-cells/ plasma cells. They are all identical in structure.

why are antibodies

specific their binding sites have a unique tertiary structure complementary to only 1 type of antigen.

How are monoclonal antibodies used to target cancer cells?

• Cancer cells have tumour markers that aren’t found on any other cell in the body.

• Monoclonal antibodies can be made that will bind to the tumour markers.

• You can also attach anti-cancer drugs to these antibodies, meaning the drug will only accumulate in spaces in the body where there are cancer cells.

How are monoclonal antibodies used in pregnancy?

• Application area contains antibodies that are complementary to the hCG protein, bound to a coloured bead (blue).

• When urine is applied, any hCG will bind to the antibody on the beads, forming an antibody-antigen complex.

• The urine moves up the stick to the test strip, carrying any beads with it.

• The test contains antibodies to hCG that are stuck in place.