Humanized monoclonal antibody

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Humanized monoclonal antibody is a type of monoclonal antibody that is produced in the lab and designed to target specific proteins in the body. These antibodies are often used in the treatment of various diseases and conditions, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infections.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Humanized monoclonal antibodies are created by replacing a majority of the mouse sequences in the antibody with human sequences. This is done to reduce the immune response to the antibody when it is used in humans. The only mouse sequences that are retained are the ones that bind to the target protein.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Humanized monoclonal antibodies have a wide range of uses in medicine. They are often used in the treatment of diseases that are caused by overactive or malfunctioning proteins. For example, they can be used to block the action of a protein that is causing cancer cells to grow and divide. They can also be used to target and destroy specific cells in the body, such as cancer cells or cells infected with a virus.

Production[edit | edit source]

The production of humanized monoclonal antibodies involves several steps. First, a mouse is immunized with the target protein. This causes the mouse's immune system to produce antibodies against the protein. These antibodies are then harvested and the sequences that bind to the target protein are identified. These sequences are then combined with human antibody sequences to create the humanized monoclonal antibody.

Side Effects[edit | edit source]

Like all medications, humanized monoclonal antibodies can cause side effects. These can vary depending on the specific antibody and the condition it is being used to treat. Common side effects can include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, more serious side effects can occur, such as allergic reactions, heart problems, and infections.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Humanized monoclonal antibody Resources
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Contributors: Bonnu, Prab R. Tumpati, MD