Antibodies as biomarkers of disease Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is the benefit of antibodies as biomarkers of disease
Enabling earlier and more accurate diagnosis of infection leading to more effective treatment at an early stage of the disease
What is a biomarker
Naturally occuring molecule- eg protein- that can be detected and acts as an indicator of a disease of the effects of its treatment
What is ELIZA technique
Antibodies, enzymes or other molecules used as biomarkers to detect particular molecules in the body
-can test for small/large number of potential antigens/ biomarkers at one time to detect a number of conditions
How is ELIZA used
-body fluids are added to the wells and a range of antibodies are added
-there is a reaction between the antibody and antigen- triggers an enzyme linked to the antibody to cause a colour change, thus identifying the antigens or other molecules present
What is the advantage of this
-enable early, rapid screening
-wide range of diagnostic feedback
How is prostate cancer diagnosis
-cancerous prostate results in abnormally high levels of the protein PSA in the blood
-tested by using a specific monoclonal antibody with an attached enzyme
-antibody and antigen attach then the enzyme results- colour change
How is pregnancy tested
-Following implantation, the levels of hcG increase and found in blood and urine
-hcG antigens are detected by complementary hcG (monoclonal) antibodies immobilised on ELIZA plate
-The antigen-antibody complex formation- linked to enzyme reaction- product the colour change for a positive pregnancy test
How are cytokines detected
-chemicals release by T-helper cells and others as part of the immune response
-small proteins that help coordinate the immune response, act as molecular messengers
-found in the blood
-used as biomarkers in an ELIZA to identify coniditions including TB and rheumatoid arthritis by monitoring their levels
