Monoclonal Antibodies (I&R) TRIPLE

• Monoclonal antibodies (mabs) are made by creating identical copies of one antibody in a laboratory
• Mabs are a type of biological therapy made in labs and are specific to one antigen, targeting a specific chemical or cell in the body
• Lymphocytes produce a specific antibody that is combined with a tumour cell to form a hybridoma cell. Lymphocytes are then cloned to produce many identical cells, all producing the specific antibody
• Uses of monoclonal antibodies:

  • Measure hormones in the blood to diagnose conditions like fatigue or low energy levels
  • Detect pathogens in the blood, such as viruses, with high specificity
  • Identify specific molecules in a cell or tissue
  • Treat diseases, although some drug trials have shown harmful side effects
  • Use in diagnosis and research