Monoclonal antibodies

What are monoclonal antibodies?

Identical antibodies produced from a single clone of cells that are specific to one binding site on one protein antigen, so are able to target a specific chemical/cells in the body

How are monoclonal antibodies made?

A mouse is injected with an antigen. B-lymphocytes are then extracted and fused with a tumour cell to form a hybridoma cell, which divides and produces large amounts of monoclonal antibodies. This process allows the production of identical cells that produce the same antibody. A large amount of the antibody can be collected and purified

What is a hybridoma cell?

A cell made by fusing a B-lymphocyte with a tumour cell. It divides quickly and produces monoclonal antibodies. These cells can be selected for a specific antibody production.

Why are tumour cells used in making monoclonal antibodies?

Tumour cells divide rapidly, allowing mass production of antibodies.

Use of monoclonal antibodies in research

to locate/identify specific molecules in a cell or tissue by binding to them with a florescent dye

Use of monoclonal antibodies in diagnosis

Pregnancy tests

Use of monoclonal antibodies in laboratories

to measure the levels of hormones and other chemicals in blood, or to detect pathogens

Use of monoclonal antibodies for treating cancer

For cancer, monoclonal antibodies can be bound to a radioactive substance, a toxic drug, or a chemical which stops cells from growing and dividing. It delivers the substance to the cancer cells without harming other cells in the body