Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)

Definition

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are laboratory-produced molecules engineered to bind to specific antigens. They are used extensively in diagnostics, therapeutics, and research.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Monoclonal antibodies are produced from a single clone of B cells, ensuring specificity for a single epitope.
2. Hybridoma technology is commonly used to produce monoclonal antibodies.
3. They are widely used in diagnostic tests such as ELISA and immunohistochemistry.
4. In therapeutics, mAbs can treat diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.
5. Humanization of monoclonal antibodies reduces the risk of immune reactions when used in humans.

Review Questions

• What is the primary advantage of using monoclonal antibodies over polyclonal antibodies?
• Describe the role of hybridoma technology in the production of monoclonal antibodies.
• How are monoclonal antibodies utilized in medical diagnostics?

Related terms

Polyclonal Antibodies:

Antibodies derived from multiple B cell clones that recognize multiple epitopes on an antigen.

Hybridoma Technology:

A method for producing large numbers of identical antibodies by fusing myeloma cells with spleen cells from an immunized animal.

Epitope:

The specific part of an antigen that is recognized and bound by an antibody.