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.
