Monoclonal Antibodies

• Producing Monoclonal Antibodies


  Produced by stimulating mouse lymphocytes to make a particular antibody by exposing them to an antigen.

  The lymphocytes are combined with a particular type of tumour cell to make a hybridoma cell.

  The hybridoma can both produce the antibody and divide.

  Single hybridoma cells are cloned, resulting in many divisions, making high quantities of identical cells that all produce the same antibody.

  Large amount of the antibody is collected and purified.
• Uses of monoclonal antibodies

  Can be used:

  In pregnancy tests.

  In laboratories to measure the levels of hormones and other chemicals in blood, or to detect pathogens.

  In research to locate or identify specific molecules in a cell or tissue by binding to them with a fluorescent dye.

  To treat some diseases.
• MABS in pregnancy tests


  The MABS are specific to a hormone produced in pregnancy, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). They will bind to the hormone if present and produce a colour change.

  
• MABS in diagnosis of disease

  MABS are specific to antigens found on the surface of pathogens, blood clots or cancer cells.

  They also contain markers that help doctors to locate them.
• MABS in measuring and monitoring

  Can be used to detect the presence and quantity of a chemical or pathogen e.g. drug testing in athletes and screening of blood for HIV.
• MABS in research


  MABS are attached to fluorescent dye and can be used to detect specific molecules in a cell or tissue.
• MABS in treating of disease

  Can be used in three ways to treat cancer:

  1: Trigger immune cells to destroy them

  2: Block receptors, which stops cancer cells from growing and dividing

  3: Carry toxic drugs or radioactive substances for radiotherapy to the site of the tumour.
• Advantages of MABS

  They only bind to specific molecules on diseased or damaged cell - do not affect healthy cells.

  Highly specific so can be produced to treat a range of conditions.

  Potential to make big improvements to diagnosing and treating diseases.
• Disadvantages of MABS

  Often produce an immune response from the body because they are made from mouse lymphocytes.

  Expensive process at the moment.