Summary
Identical antibodies from a single B cell clone, used in diagnostics and cancer therapy.
In depth
Köhler and Milstein's hybridoma method fuses B cells with myeloma cells. Humanised antibodies reduce immunogenicity (names ending -mab). Uses: cancer (rituximab, trastuzumab), autoimmunity (adalimumab) and diagnostics.
Antibodies are engineered to be chimeric, humanised or fully human. Conjugates deliver drugs or toxins to tumours. Bispecific antibodies link T cells to cancer cells.
Example: rituximab targets CD20 on B cells in lymphoma.
Hybridomas combine the antibody-making ability of B cells with the immortality of myeloma cells; Köhler, Milstein and Jerne shared the 1984 Nobel Prize. Names show origin: -omab (mouse), -ximab (chimeric), -zumab (humanised), -umab (fully human, from phage display or transgenic mice). Uses include cancer (rituximab against CD20, trastuzumab against HER2), autoimmune disease (adalimumab), osteoporosis (denosumab), migraine, asthma and infectious disease.
Antibody-drug conjugates deliver toxins to tumour cells, and bispecific antibodies link T cells to cancer cells. Costs are high, and some patients develop antibodies against the treatment. In diagnostics, monoclonal antibodies underpin pregnancy tests, ELISA and immunohistochemistry.
Key idea: monoclonal means derived from one B cell clone, so all antibodies are identical and bind the same epitope.
Frequently asked questions
What is Monoclonal Antibodies?
Identical antibodies from a single B cell clone, used in diagnostics and cancer therapy.
Which area of biology covers Monoclonal Antibodies, and how advanced is it?
Monoclonal Antibodies is one of the 52 topics in Immunology & Disease. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Antibodies, Immune Checkpoint Therapy, CAR-T Cell Therapy.
Can you give an example of Monoclonal Antibodies?
Pregnancy tests use monoclonal antibodies to detect hCG.
What should I learn before Monoclonal Antibodies?
Work through the Beginner topics in Immunology & Disease first, such as Immune System, Viruses, Innate Immunity, then return to Monoclonal Antibodies. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Monoclonal Antibodies?
The closest topics to Monoclonal Antibodies are Antibodies, Immune Checkpoint Therapy, CAR-T Cell Therapy, Transplant Rejection. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Monoclonal Antibodies?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Monoclonal Antibodies. To practise the whole of Immunology & Disease, use the Immunology & Disease quiz.
How is Monoclonal Antibodies different from Antibodies?
Monoclonal Antibodies: Identical antibodies from a single B cell clone, used in diagnostics and cancer therapy. Antibodies: Y-shaped proteins made by B cells that bind specific antigens and mark them for destruction. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Monoclonal Antibodies step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Antibodies and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Immunology & Disease quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.