monoclonal antibodies

• Production of monoclonal antibodies

  1. Spleen-derived lymphocyte fused with a myeloma

  2. Hybridoma

  3. Many hybridomas
• Antibodies


  Shape specifically to bind to antigen
• Monoclonal antibodies

  • Specific
  • Expensive
  • Difficult to attach
  • Can cause side effects (mouse rejection)
• Uses of monoclonal antibodies

  • Diagnose STD's
  • Diagnose HIV
  • Diagnose hlamydia
  • Pregnancy tests
  • Measure/monitor hormone levels
  • Measure/monitor test drugs in sport
  • Research
  • Treat disease
  • Carry drugs or radioactive therapies directly to cancer cells
  • Triggering the immune system to attack cancer cells
  • Locate target in body
• Monoclonal antibody

  A large, identical batch (clone) of a single (mono)antibody
• Lymphocyte


  • Produces antibodies that shape specifically to bind to antigen