monoclonal antibodies

• Antibodies


  Proteins which have a specific binding site complementary in shape to a particular antigen
• Monoclonal antibodies


  Antibodies which are made naturally in the body in response to a particular antigen, but can also be created in the lab. Mono means one, clonal means identical.
• Monoclonal antibodies


  • Scientists can create large quantities of one type of identical antibody, which can then be used for medical treatment, medical diagnosis, and pregnancy tests.
• Direct monoclonal antibody therapy


  Create antibodies with binding sites complementary to antigens on cancer cells, then give these antibodies to the patient to prevent other chemicals from binding and triggering uncontrolled cell division.
• Indirect monoclonal antibody therapy

  Create antibodies with binding sites complementary to antigens on cancer cells, then attach a cytotoxic drug to the antibodies to deliver the drug directly to the cancer cells.
• Medical diagnosis using monoclonal antibodies

  • Pregnancy tests, influenza, hepatitis, chlamydia, prostate cancer, HIV, COVID-19
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test


  Add test sample (e.g. blood, urine)

  2. Wash to remove unbound sample

  3. Add antibody complementary to antigen of interest

  4. Wash to remove unbound antibody

  5. Add second antibody complementary to first, with enzyme attached

  6. Add substrate, enzyme catalyzes reaction to produce colored product

  7. Intensity of color indicates quantity of antigen present
• Animals, often mice, must be used to create monoclonal antibodies, and the animals' spleens are removed, resulting in their death.
• Using animals to create monoclonal antibodies

  Raises ethical debates about whether it is justified to use animals for human medical benefits