Revision notes · Infection and response
Monoclonal antibodies
Producing monoclonal antibodies4.3.2.1
Definition: Monoclonal antibodies are proteins produced from a single clone of cells that are specific to one binding site on one protein antigen.
Monoclonal antibodies are identical copies of an antibody designed to target a specific molecule in the body.
- •A mouse is injected with a specific antigen to stimulate lymphocytes to produce the required antibody.
- •Lymphocytes are fused with tumour cells to create a hybridoma cell.
- •A hybridoma cell can divide rapidly and produce the required antibody.
- •Single hybridoma cells are cloned to produce large quantities of identical monoclonal antibodies.
- •The antibodies are collected and purified before use.
⚠️ Common mistake: Believing that lymphocytes can divide on their own in culture, whereas they must be fused with tumour cells to continuously divide.
🧠 Remember: Lymphocyte + Tumour = Hybridoma (Lets Tumours Help).
Uses of monoclonal antibodies4.3.2.2
Monoclonal antibodies are used in diagnosis, research, and disease treatment due to their ability to bind to specific targets.
| Use | How it works |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy tests | Detect the hormone HCG in urine |
| Lab testing | Measure hormone/chemical levels in blood, or detect pathogens |
| Research | Locate specific molecules in cells using a fluorescent dye |
| Cancer treatment | Deliver toxic drugs or radioactive material directly to cancer cells, without damaging healthy cells |
- •They created more unexpected side effects in clinical trials than originally anticipated, which has limited their widespread use.
⚠️ Common mistake: Thinking monoclonal antibodies always destroy cancer cells directly, rather than delivering bound drugs or marking cells for the immune system.
🧠 Remember: Remember PLTS: Pregnancy, Lab testing, Tissue staining, Specific cancer treatment.
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