Monoclonal antibody

Antibodies produced in mice that are highly specific for a single protein or substance, which can be used to treat serious diseases such as cancer (rituximab) or arthritis (infliximab).

Monoclonals

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb or moAb) are laboratory-made molecules that can mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses. Monoclonal antibodies are designed to bind to specific targets, called antigens, on the surface of cells or other structures. They have a wide range of applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and research.

Overview

Monoclonal antibodies were first developed in 1975 by César Milstein and Georges Köhler, for which they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1984. Monoclonal antibodies are produced by creating hybridoma cells, which are formed by the fusion of a specific antibody-producing B cell with an immortal myeloma cell. The hybridoma cells are then cultured, allowing them to produce large quantities of the desired monoclonal antibody.

Types of monoclonal antibodies

There are four main types of monoclonal antibodies, classified based on their degree of human and non-human content:

• Murine: Derived entirely from mice, these antibodies have a high likelihood of causing immune reactions in humans.
• Chimeric: Combining mouse and human components, chimeric antibodies reduce the risk of immune reactions.
• Humanized: Mostly human in origin, with only the antigen-binding regions derived from mice, humanized antibodies further minimize the risk of immune reactions.
• Fully human: Derived entirely from human sources, these antibodies are the least likely to cause immune reactions.

Therapeutic applications

Monoclonal antibodies are used to treat a wide range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Some examples of monoclonal antibodies used in therapy include:

• Rituximab: Used for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
• Adalimumab: Used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
• Trastuzumab: Used for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer.
• Bevacizumab: Used for the treatment of various types of cancer, including colorectal, lung, and renal cell carcinoma.

Diagnostic applications

Monoclonal antibodies are also used in diagnostic tests to detect specific antigens in blood or tissue samples. Some examples include:

ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay): A widely-used technique that employs monoclonal antibodies to detect the presence of specific antigens or antibodies in a sample. Immunohistochemistry: A technique that uses monoclonal antibodies to visualize and quantify specific antigens in tissue samples, often used for diagnostic purposes in pathology.

Research applications

Monoclonal antibodies have numerous applications in research, including:

• Western blot: A technique that uses monoclonal antibodies to detect specific proteins in a sample based on their molecular weight and isoelectric point.
• Flow cytometry: A method that employs monoclonal antibodies to identify, count, and characterize cells based on the expression of specific antigens on their surface.
• Immunoprecipitation: A technique that uses monoclonal antibodies to isolate and purify specific proteins from a complex mixture for further analysis.

Challenges and limitations

Despite their widespread use, monoclonal antibodies face several challenges and limitations, such as:

• Immunogenicity: Non-human or partially human monoclonal antibodies can trigger immune responses in patients, leading to allergic reactions or reduced efficacy.
• Production cost: The production of monoclonal antibodies can be expensive and time-consuming, which may limit their availability and affordability.
• Target specificity: Some monoclonal antibodies may cross-react with non-target antigens, leading to off-target effects and potentially causing harm to the patient.

Future perspectives

New technologies and approaches are being developed to improve the production, specificity, and efficacy of monoclonal antibodies, such as:

• Bispecific antibodies: These antibodies can bind to two different antigens simultaneously, allowing them to target multiple pathways or recruit immune cells to attack cancer cells more effectively.
• Antibody-drug conjugates: These consist of monoclonal antibodies linked to cytotoxic drugs, which can deliver the drug specifically to target cells while minimizing systemic toxicity.

See also

• Polyclonal antibody
• Antigen
• Hybridoma technology
• Recombinant monoclonal antibody

External links

• Monoclonal Antibodies: Principles and Practice
• American Cancer Society: Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibody Resources
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