monoclonal antibodies

• Monoclonal antibodies are identical antibodies formed to combat a specific antigen.
• Therapeutic treatment with monoclonal antibodies provides rapid protection when exposed to harmful pathogens.
• Monoclonal antibodies are used in cancer treatments as therapy, for example, Herceptin which binds to HER2 protein on breast cancer and blocks chemical signals which stimulate uncontrolled growth.
• Indirect monoclonal antibodies are those with radioactive or cytotoxic drugs attached, also known as "magic bullets".
• Monoclonal antibodies are used in diagnostic tests, for example, to detect the presence of pathogens or in pregnancy tests.
• Monoclonal antibodies are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease, which are autoimmune conditions, to block TNF, the protein that causes inflammation.