Monoclonal Antibodies

• What are monoclonal antibodies?

  Identical antibodies produced from the same immune cell
• How are monoclonal antibodies produced?

  By combining stimulated lymphocytes with tumour cells to form hybridomas
• What is one use of monoclonal antibodies in pregnancy tests?

  To detect the hormone hCG in urine
• What are the two types of blind studies mentioned?

  Single-blind and double-blind studies
• What is the purpose of peer review in scientific research?

  To check for repeatability of results
• What are monoclonal antibodies?

  Identical antibodies produced from the same immune cell
• Why are monoclonal antibodies useful in medicine?

  They can target specific proteins and cells in the body
• How are monoclonal antibodies produced?

  1. Obtain mice lymphocytes stimulated to produce a specific antibody.
  2. Combine with tumor cells to form hybridoma.
  3. Hybridoma divides to produce clones.
  4. Collect and purify the antibodies.
• What hormone is detected in pregnancy tests?

  Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)
• How does a pregnancy test work?

  • Two sections on the test stick.
  • Mobile antibodies with blue beads bind to hCG.
  • Stationary antibodies capture hCG/antibody complexes.
  • A blue line indicates pregnancy.
• How are monoclonal antibodies used in laboratories?

  To measure and monitor levels of hormones or chemicals in blood
• What modification is made to monoclonal antibodies for laboratory use?

  They are bound to a fluorescent dye
• What is an example of using monoclonal antibodies in blood screening?

  Screening donated blood for HIV infections
• How are monoclonal antibodies used in cancer treatment?

  They target tumor markers on cancer cells
• What are the three main ways monoclonal antibodies can treat cancer?

  1. Stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.
  2. Block growth-stimulating molecules from binding.
  3. Transport toxic drugs to cancer cells.
• What is an advantage of using monoclonal antibodies?

  They only bind to specific cells, sparing healthy cells
• What is a disadvantage of using monoclonal antibodies?

  They are expensive to develop
• Why might monoclonal antibodies trigger an immune response?

  They are produced from mice lymphocytes