monoclonal antibodies

• Antibody

  A protein made and released by lymphocytes. Each one is specific to one molecule (or antigen) which it can bind to. Part of the immune response to pathogens.
• Antigen


  This a protein found on the surface of cells. It allows the body to identify its own cells or any cells from other sources, like pathogens.
• Cancer treatment


  Use of monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies can bind antigens on cancer cells. This can be used to damage cancer cells and not other cells. The antibody can have radioactivity, a toxic drug or a chemical that stops cell division attached.
• Clone

  A genetically identical cell or organism.
• Detection

  Use of monoclonal antibodies. Antibodies can identify the presence of molecules like hormones or other chemicals in the blood.
• Diagnosis


  Use of monoclonal antibodies. This decides whether someone has a particular infection or condition, e.g., used in pregnancy tests to bind pregnancy hormones.
• Hybridoma cell


  A cell formed by fusing a tumour cell with a lymphocyte that produces a specific antibody. These are used to produce lots of monoclonal antibodies.
• Identification

  Use of monoclonal antibodies. Specific molecules can be identified or located using antibodies that bind to them. These antibodies would have fluorescent dyes attached.
• Lymphocyte


  A type of white blood cell that makes and releases antibodies.
• Monoclonal antibody


  An antibody made by a group of genetically identical (cloned) cells. These will make lots of identical antibodies which will all bind the same antigen.
• Protein


  A molecule made from amino acids.
• Side effects


  These are unwanted effects of a treatment. Those for monoclonal antibody treatment include fever, nausea, headaches and rashes.
• Tumour cell


  A cell taken from a cancerous tumour. These cells divide uncontrollably by mitosis.