4.3.2 Monoclonal antibodies

4.3.2.1 Producing monoclonal antibodies

Types of Antibodies

Monoclonal Antibodies

• Monoclonal antibodies are very specific
• They only bind to a particular antigen structure
• They can only target specific chemicals or cells

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Polyclonal Antibodies

• Polyclonal antibodies are still specific to a particular antigen
• They can recognise different variations of the same antigen

Natural Production

• Antibodies are made when lymphocytes are activated
• This stimulates an antibody producing cell called a B lymphocyte
• Monoclonal antibodies are antibodies made from one clone of a B lymphocyte

Artificial Production

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Insert the antigen into a mouse

1. B-Lymphocytes are taken from the mouse as immune response occurs
2. The lymphocytes are combined with tumour cells
3. A hybridoma cell is made
4. The hybridoma cell keeps dividing to make many hybridomas
5. Lots of monoclonal antibodies are made

4.3.2.2 Uses of monoclonal antibodies

Uses of Monoclonal Antibodies

1. Pregnancy Testing
2. Research Testing
3. Lab Testing
4. Treating Diseases

Pregnancy Testing

• Pregnancy testing uses monoclonal antibodies to detect for human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)
• If a woman is pregnant, hCG will be found in urine