Monoclonal Antibodies Lecture

Introduction to Antibodies

• Definition: Antibodies are proteins that can find and neutralize antigens (cell surface markers).
• Monoclonal vs Polyclonal Antibodies:
  • Monoclonal: Clones of a single type of antibody.
  • Polyclonal: Separate and covered later.

Production of Monoclonal Antibodies

1. Injection:
   • A mouse is injected with antigens to trigger antibody production.
   • Series of injections ensures exposure.
2. Extraction and Fusion:
   • Mouse spleen is harvested, turned into a slurry.
   • Spleen cells mixed with myeloma cells (cancer cells) to create hybridomas.
   • Myeloma cells are used because they are immortal (cancer cells don’t die).
3. Selection and Growth:
   • Hybridomas are cultured; only those producing desired antibodies survive.
   • Specific hybrid cells producing the targeted antibody are isolated and grown.

Types of Monoclonal Antibodies

• Chimeric: Mixed mouse and human.
• Humanized: Mainly human.
• Fully Human: 100% human to avoid immune response issues.

Applications of Monoclonal Antibodies

• Diagnostic Tools:
  • Widely used; over 100 diagnostic tools employ monoclonal antibodies.
• Therapeutic Uses:
  • Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Humira for arthritis).
  • Allergic asthma treatments.
  • Ebola treatment (e.g., ZMapp).
• Pregnancy Tests:
  • Use monoclonal antibodies to detect HCG.

Challenges and Future Directions

• Cost:
  • High production cost due to time and resources needed.
  • Example: Cost of Humira without insurance.
• Future Prospects:
  • Increased use in diagnostics, therapies.
  • Potential in cancer therapy to target specific antigens.

Conclusion

• Limitless Potential:
  • Future applications in medicine and diagnostics are vast.
  • Exciting possibilities in targeted cancer therapies.

Key Takeaway: Monoclonal antibodies are powerful tools in modern medicine, offering potential for a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications, despite current challenges in cost and production.