How are monoclonal antibodies produced and what are their applications?

Monoclonal antibodies are produced by fusing a specific antibody-producing B cell with a cancer cell, and are used in diagnostics and therapies.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are identical immune cells that are all clones of a unique parent cell. They are produced through a method known as hybridoma technology. This process begins with the injection of a chosen antigen into a mouse. The mouse's immune system responds to the antigen by producing B cells, each of which produces a specific antibody. The B cells from the spleen of the mouse are then harvested.

These B cells are fused with myeloma (cancer) cells. The fusion of these cells results in a hybrid cell, known as a hybridoma. This cell has the antibody-producing ability of the B cell and the longevity and rapid growth of the cancer cell. The hybridomas are then cultured in a laboratory, where they produce large quantities of identical antibodies, known as monoclonal antibodies.

The production of monoclonal antibodies is a complex process that requires careful selection of the antigen and the B cell, as well as precise control of the cell fusion and culture conditions. The resulting monoclonal antibodies are highly specific, recognising and binding to a single type of antigen.

Monoclonal antibodies have a wide range of applications in both diagnostics and therapies. In diagnostics, they are used in tests to detect specific antigens, such as those associated with certain diseases. For example, they are used in pregnancy tests to detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy.

In therapeutic applications, monoclonal antibodies can be used to target specific cells or proteins. They are used in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For instance, in cancer treatment, monoclonal antibodies can be designed to recognise and bind to cancer cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system.

In summary, monoclonal antibodies are a powerful tool in modern medicine, with their high specificity making them invaluable in both diagnostic tests and targeted therapies.