Monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies Flashcards
(36 cards)
What are the two main regions of an antibody and their functions?
Fab region binds antigen (variable), Fc region mediates effector function (constant).
Key properties of antibodies?
High specificity, high affinity, stable structure.
Name 4 main applications of antibodies.
Research, Diagnostics, Therapeutics, Industrial.
Give an example of a diagnostic use of antibodies.
Pregnancy tests (detecting hCG).
Example of therapeutic use?
Anti-venom, passive immunity, immunotherapy (e.g., anti-TNF for RA
What are polyclonal antibodies?
A mix from different B-cell clones; recognize multiple epitopes.
How are pAbs made?
Animal immunized → serum collected → purified.
Pros of pAbs
Simple, cost-effective, good across variants.
Cons of pAbs?
Batch variability, limited supply, high cross-reactivity.
What defines a monoclonal antibody?
From a single B-cell clone; specific to one epitope.
How are mAbs made (Hybridoma)?
: Mouse immunized → B-cell + myeloma = hybridoma → screened + cloned.Screening is through HAT mixture.
Advantages of mAbs?
Specific, reproducible, modifiable, unlimited supply.
: Disadvantages off mAbs ?
Expensive, time-consuming, possible immunogenicity.
What are chimeric antibodies?
Part mouse, part human.
What is a humanized antibody?
Mostly human, with mouse CDRs (binding sites).
What’s a fully human antibody?
Made using phage display or transgenic mice.
: What is phage display used for?
Insert Ab gene into phage → display on surface → select desired binders.
What does Rituximab target?
CD20 – for B-cell lymphoma.
: What does Herceptin target?
HER2/neu – for breast cancer.
Q: What is Infliximab used for?
RA, Crohn’s – targets TNF-α.
What is anti-D used for?
Prevents Rh incompatibility (HDN).
What does ELISA detect?
Soluble molecules (e.g., proteins, hormones) in complex mixtures like blood or saliva
What are the advantages of ELISA?
Specific, sensitive, and quantitative.
Can ELISA measure multiple analytes at once
Yes, multiplex ELISAs can.
