Monoclonal Antibodies

• Monoclonal Antibodies:

  • Mouse injected with pathogen to create immune response
  • Mouse specific B lymphocytes taken (produce specific antibodies)
  • Fused with tumour cell from lab (fast-dividing) - hybridoma cell produced
  • Screened and antibodies are extracted
• Uses of Monoclonal Antibodies:

  • Pregnancy Tests - pregnancy hormone binds to antibodies and cause colour change
  • Cancer Diagnosed - put in tracers and when contact cancer cells bind to tumour markers
  • Cancer Treatment - carry anti-cancer drug straight to tumour markers targeting them
  • Blood Clots - bind to proteins that join together to make a blood clot, are tracers