Production of Monoclonal Antibodies

Overview

• Monoclonal antibodies are identical copies of a specific type of antibody.
• They are produced using a technique that involves fusing a spleen cell with a cancerous white blood cell.
• These antibodies can be designed to bind to various substances, not just pathogens.

Key Concepts

• Antibodies: Proteins produced by lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) that attack foreign organisms (antigens).
• Pathogens: Microorganisms that cause disease and have surface proteins called antigens.
• Antigens: Proteins on the surface of pathogens that trigger an immune response.

How Monoclonal Antibodies Work

• Antibodies bind specifically to antigens on pathogens.
• Only one type of antibody binds to a matching antigen, allowing specific targeting.
• Monoclonal antibodies can bind to antigens on other substances, facilitating their identification and handling.

Formation Process of Monoclonal Antibodies

1. Antigen Injection: An antigen is injected into a mouse.
2. Antibody Production: The mouse produces lymphocytes, which create antibodies specific to the antigen.
3. Spleen Cell Extraction: Spleen cells are removed from the mouse.
4. Cell Fusion: Spleen cells are fused with myeloma cells (cancerous white blood cells) to form hybridoma cells.
5. Antibody Production: Hybridoma cells divide and produce millions of monoclonal antibodies specific to the original antigen.

Visual Aid

• Diagram: Mice are injected with an antigen to initiate antibody formation (see linked image for visual reference).

Further Learning and Resources

• More guides on related topics such as Communicable Diseases, Treating and Preventing Diseases, and Plant Diseases.
• Related links to exam-style questions, revision resources, and biology-related careers.

Additional Notes:

• The process of producing monoclonal antibodies illustrates the intersection of immunology and biotechnology, allowing for targeted medical therapies.