Humanized monoclonal antibodies

Definition

Humanized monoclonal antibodies are engineered antibodies from non-human species whose protein sequences have been modified to increase their similarity to antibodies produced naturally in humans. This reduces the immune response against them when used therapeutically.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Humanized monoclonal antibodies are created by grafting the antigen-binding regions of a mouse antibody onto a human antibody framework.
2. They are less likely to be recognized as foreign by the human immune system compared to fully murine (mouse-derived) antibodies.
3. Humanized monoclonal antibodies retain the specificity and affinity for their target antigens of the original non-human antibody.
4. They are widely used in treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases due to their high specificity and reduced immunogenicity.
5. The process of humanization typically involves genetic engineering techniques such as recombinant DNA technology.

Review Questions

• What is the primary advantage of using humanized monoclonal antibodies over fully murine monoclonal antibodies?
• How are humanized monoclonal antibodies typically created?
• In what types of medical conditions are humanized monoclonal antibodies commonly used?

Related terms

Polyclonal Antibodies: A mixture of antibodies produced by different B cell clones in response to an antigen.

Monoclonal Antibodies: Antibodies produced by a single clone of cells or cell line with uniform structure and specificity.

Chimeric Antibodies: Antibodies that combine murine variable regions with human constant regions, making them part-human and part-mouse.