3.1.4 Monoclonal Antibodies

 

What are monoclonal antibodies?  

1. Identical antibodies from one type of cell 

2. They only bind to one specific antigen

 

How are they made? (Common questions)

1. Inject mouse with antigen → produces B lymphocytes  

2. Fuse B lymphocyte with tumour cell → makes a new cell called a hybridoma  

• This makes a cell that divides lots (feature of the tumour) and makes lots of specific antibodies (feature of the B lymphocytes) so maximises production

    3. Clone hybridoma → mass-produce same antibody  

    4. Collect & purify ready for use

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

​

​

​

​

The specific antibodies from the hybridoma can then be used in several ways:

 

​​

​

​​

​

​

 

 

 

 

​

​
 

These are many pros and cons of monoclonal antibodies that you need to know for the exam:
​

​

​

​

​

​

​