Monoclonal antibodies

• What are monoclonal antibodies?

  Antibodies produced from a single group of genetically identical B-cells (plasma cells). This means they are all IDENTICAL in structure
• Why are antibodies very specific?

  Because their binding sites have a unique tertiary structure that only one particular antigen with a COMPLEMENTATY SHAPE will fit into
• You can make monoclonal antibodies that bind to anything you want eg a cell antigen or other substance, and they will only bind to (target) this molecule
• What do ETHICAL ISSUES surrounding monoclonal antibody therapy often involve?

  • Animal rights issues
• Explain animal right issues in the context of monoclonal antibody therapy- ethical issues?

  Animals are used to produce the cells from which the monoclonal antibodies are produced. Some people disagree with using animals in this way