Monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made antibodies used in medical treatments and tests. They are produced from identical clones of a single type of white blood cell, meaning all the antibodies are identical and specific to one binding site on one antigen. This allows them to target a specific chemical or type of cell in the body.

The process for producing monoclonal antibodies involves:

1. Stimulating mouse lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies) to produce a specific antibody.

2. Fusing the lymphocyte with a particular type of tumour cell to create a hybridoma cell. This hybridoma cell can both produce the antibody and divide rapidly.

3. Cloning single hybridoma cells to produce many identical cells, all of which generate the same antibody.

4. Collecting and purifying large quantities of the antibody for medical use.

The production of monoclonal antibodies

The uses of monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies have various applications, including:

1. Diagnosis: Monoclonal antibodies can be used to detect specific antigens in blood or urine. For example:

   • Pregnancy tests use monoclonal antibodies that detect the hormone HCG in urine, a hormone only found in pregnant women.

   • COVID-19 lateral flow tests use monoclonal antibodies that detect an antigen on the coronavirus.

2. Laboratory Testing: Monoclonal antibodies are used to measure levels of hormones and other chemicals in blood or to detect pathogens.

3. Research: Monoclonal antibodies can locate or identify specific molecules within cells or tissues by binding to them with a fluorescent dye.

4. Treatment of Diseases: In cancer treatments, monoclonal antibodies can be attached to a radioactive substance, toxic drug, or chemical that stops cell division. This approach allows the monoclonal antibody to deliver the treatment directly to cancer cells without harming healthy cells.

How a lateral flow test works to detect a virus