6.5 making monoclonal antibodies

• monoclonal antibodies are a form of medical treatment that relies on the immune system.
• monoclonal antibodies are proteins. If the antibodies come from one type of cell they are monoclonal.
• some white blood cells make antibodies naturally.
• tumour cells do not usually make antibodies but they divide rapidly to make a clone of cells.
• stages in making monoclonal antibodies:

  1. mouse lymphocytes are stimulated to make a particular antibody.
  2. scientists combine a mouse lymphocyte with a tumour cell to make a hybridoma.
  3. hybridoma cells divide to make a large number of identical cells that produce the same antibodies.
  4. These antibodies are collected and purfied.
• monoclonal antibodies are produced to target particular cells or chemicals in the body.
• pregnancy tests rely on monoclonal antibodies that bind to a hormone produced in early pregnancy.
• monoclonal antibodies are used to diagnose disease. Specific antibodies are produced that bind to antigens on a pathogen.
• monoclonal antibodies are used to measure and monitor the levels of hormones and other chemicals in the blood.
• monoclonal antibodies are also used to treat disease.