T3 monoclonal antibodies Flashcards
what are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)
antibodies that are clones from one parent cell
specific to one type of antigen
describe how monoclonal antibodies are produced
- specific antigen injected into animal
- B-lymphocytes producing complementary antibodies extracted
- B-lymphocytes fuse with myeloma cells to form hybridoma cells - these cells can divide and produce antibody
- hybridoma cells cultured
- monoclonal antibodies collected and purified
outline the uses of monoclonal antibodies
detection of pathogens
location of cancer cells and blood clots
treatment of cancer
used in pregnancy test kits
what are myeloma cells
type of tumour cell
what do pregnancy kits test for
hCG in urine
what does a pregnancy test consist of
stick containing monoclonal antibodies specific to hCG:
mAbs attached to a blue bead (free to move)
mAbs fixed to the test stick
describe what happens to the test stick if a woman is pregnant
hCG in urine binds to mAbs attached to a blue bead
mAbs with hCG diffuse up dipstick
mAbs fixed to the stick bind to hCG
blue line forms
advantage of using monoclonal antibodies to test for pathogens
specific to one particular antigen
very accurate
quick results
why can monoclonal antibodies be used to target cancer cells
cancer cells have specific antigens called “tumour markers” on their membranes
mAbs are specific to one type of antigen so can be targeted to tumour markers without damaging other cells
describe how monoclonal antibodies can be used to diagnose cancer
mAbs tagged to a radioactive substance
mAbs injected into the patient’s bloodstream
mAbs bind to tumour markers on cancer cells
emitted radiation is detected using a specialised scanner enabling doctors to determine the location of cancer cells
how can monoclonal antibodies be used to target drugs to cancer cells
mAbs attached to an anti-cancer drug
mAbs injected into the patient’s bloodstream
mAbs bind to tumour markers on cancer cells
anti-cancer drug destroys cancer cells
why are cancer treatments that use monoclonal antibodies favoured over traditional treatments
radiotherapy and chemo target rapidly dividing cells
healthy cells are damaged as a consequence, producing unpleasant side effects
mAbs only target cancer cells, reducing damage to normal cells
how can monoclonal antibodies be used to locate blood clots
mAbs tagged to a radioactive substance
mAbs target and bind to specific proteins in blood clots
radiation emitted by mAbs is detected, enabling the location of blood clots to be identified
