Monoclonal Antibodies – GCSE Biology A (Triple) OCR Revision

Understanding Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are identical immune system proteins, all made from copies of a single type of white blood cell.
They are designed to attach to specific antigens present on the surface of cells, making them highly specific.
Their name comes from “mono-“ meaning single, and “clonal” because they are produced by one type of cell and are all identical.

Monoclonal antibodies are produced by hybridoma cells, which are formed by fusing a B-lymphocyte (immune cell) with a fast-growing cancer cell.
The resultant cell combines the lymphocyte’s ability to produce one type of antibody with the non-stop growth of the cancer cell.
These hybridoma cells are encouraged to reproduce in a lab environment before being harvested for the antibodies they produce.

Monoclonal antibodies can be used to detect or treat specific types of cancers by binding to cancerous cells, highlighting their presence, and sometimes directly attacking the cancer.
They are used in diagnostic testing, for example in pregnancy tests, as they can bind specifically to hormones produced in pregnancy.
They’re used in research and can locate or identify different cells and substances, allowing scientists to study the effects of disease or drugs.
Monoclonal antibodies can also be used to treat some diseases of the immune system (immunotherapy) by targeting harmful cells.

Inherent in their use is the risk of side-effects, some of which can be severe: fever, nausea, rash, low blood pressure, and even heart and lung problems in extreme cases.
Patients can develop a resistance to monoclonal antibodies over time, reducing their effectiveness.
They are also expensive and time consuming to produce, limiting their widespread use and availability in some regions.

Despite their side effects and costs, monoclonal antibodies represent a significant advancement in both diagnostics and treatment methods in modern medicine.
The ability to target specific cells or proteins with a high degree of precision is unparalleled in its potential for highly personalised medical treatments.