Monoclonal Antibodies

• Microorganisms have more than one type of antigen on their surface 

• Therefore more than one type of B-cell is stimulated and produced.

• The mix of B-cells produced is polyclonal and the antibodies are polyclonal antibodies

• Monoclonal antibodies are produced from one type of B-cell in response to a single antigen

• This means their action is more specific as they target only that antigen

The high specificity of monoclonal antibodies has sttracted researchers trying to find a way of targeting cancer cells and ways to kill them with toxic drugs without affecting any other cells

Principles:

• Produce antibody that will bind with an antigen found only on cancer cells
• Couple a cytoxic agent (radioactive substance) to the antibody
• Inject antibody/cytotoxin complex into patient and allow it to target the cancer cells and kill it

• Although a strong radioactive substance is needed, the small amount required ensure an effective procedure with few side effects

• However unless the monoclonal antibody is a human protein, the human immune system will recognise the 'foreign' protein and produce an immune reaction to destroy it

• The first monoclonal antibodies were produced by injecting the antigens into mice and then gathering and selecting the antibodies produced

• Most research is currently underway to 'humanise' monoclonal antibodies to prevent their rejection by the body

• Explain Key Concepts

• Recall and understand Key Facts

• Discuss ethical issues assosiated with the production of monoclonal antibodies