Monoclonal Antibody

What is a monoclonal antibody (mAb)?

An antibody made by identical cells that all recognize and bind to the same epitope.

Why are monoclonal antibodies useful for diagnosing and treating disease?

They have a single epitopic specificity, so they can specifically target one epitope.

What does single epitopic specificity mean?

The antibody recognizes and binds to one specific epitope.

What does it mean that the isotype, allotype, and idiotype of monoclonal antibodies are identical?

All of the antibodies produced are the same in these characteristics because they come from identical cells.

Why can't monoclonal antibodies simply be purified from a normal mixture of antibodies?

A normal mixture contains many different antibodies, making it difficult to isolate one specific antibody.

What is hybridoma technology?

A method used to make large amounts of identical monoclonal antibodies.

What are normal B cells exposed to during hybridoma production?

An immunogen.

What happens after B cells are exposed to an immunogen?

The B cells that can make the desired antibody are selected and fused with myeloma cells.

What are myeloma cells?

Cells that can divide and grow continuously.

What happens when a B cell is fused with a myeloma cell?

It creates a hybrid cell called a hybridoma.

What is a hybridoma?

A cell made by combining a B cell with a myeloma cell.

Why are hybridomas useful for making monoclonal antibodies?

They can continuously grow and produce one specific antibody.

What are the two types of cells combined to make a hybridoma?

A B cell (plasma cell) and a myeloma cell.

What do B cells contribute to a hybridoma?

The ability to produce a specific antibody.

What do myeloma cells contribute to a hybridoma?

The ability to grow and divide continuously.

What are labeled monoclonal antibodies used for?

They can detect antigens in vitro.

What does in vitro mean?

Testing done outside of the body, such as in a laboratory.

How are monoclonal antibodies used in diagnostic testing?

They bind to specific antigens and help detect whether an antigen is present.

What is mAb immunotherapy?

Using monoclonal antibodies to help treat disease.

How can monoclonal antibodies be used to treat cancer?

They can target specific molecules or cancer cells to help attack or stop the cancer.

What is immuno-oncology?

The use of the immune system or immune-based treatments to fight cancer.

How can radioactively labeled monoclonal antibodies be used in cancer treatment?

They can target cancer cells and deliver radiation directly to those cells.

What are immunotoxins?

Monoclonal antibodies with a toxin attached to them that can target and attack specific cells.

How do immunotoxins attack cancer cells?

The monoclonal antibody targets the cancer cell and the attached toxin helps kill the cell.

What is Herceptin (trastuzumab) used to treat?

HER2-positive breast and gastric cancer.

What is Keytruda (pembrolizumab) used to treat?

Various cancers, including melanoma and lung cancer.

What is Opdivo (nivolumab) used to treat?

Melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, and other cancers.

What is Tecentriq (atezolizumab) used to treat?

Bladder, lung, breast (TNBC), and liver cancers.

What is Humira (adalimumab) used to treat?

Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and other conditions.

What is Remicade (infliximab) used to treat?

Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and other conditions.

What is Stelara (ustekinumab) used to treat?

Psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriatic arthritis.

What is Dupixent (dupilumab) used to treat?

Atopic dermatitis, asthma, and nasal polyps.

What is Soliris (eculizumab) used to treat?

PNH, aHUS, myasthenia gravis, and NMOSD.

What is Tysabri (natalizumab) used to treat?

Multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease.