Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are laboratory-produced molecules engineered to serve as clone copies of a single parent cell. They can be designed to bind to specific proteins, known as antigens, on pathogens or cancerous/damaged cells. Since their discovery in 1975, monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized both research and clinical practice.

Production of Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics

The production of mAbs involves identifying the target antigen and then injecting mice with it. The mouse lymphocytes (B cells) respond by producing antibodies against the antigen. Spleen cells from the immunized mouse are then harvested and fused with cancer cells, generating hybridoma cell lines. Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics Each hybridoma cell line produces copies of identical antibodies known as monoclonal antibodies that are specific to the target antigen. The hybridomas can then be cultured indefinitely to produce large quantities of mAbs.

Mechanism of Action of Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies

Therapeutic mAbs work via various mechanisms like neutralizing pathogens/toxins, targeting tumor-specific antigens, or modulating immune responses. Some key mechanisms include:

- Direct Blockade: mAbs bind directly to antigens on pathogens/cells, blocking their ability to cause disease. For example, bevacizumab binds vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to inhibit tumor angiogenesis.

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